There is something truly magical about waking up to a warm, comforting breakfast that practically makes itself, and that’s exactly why the Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for brunch lovers everywhere. This dish is a deliciously custardy blend of soft French bread soaked in a sweet, spiced custard, topped with a buttery crumb topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms your morning routine into a cozy, soul-satisfying experience and makes feeding a crowd a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the long list; the magic of this recipe comes from simple, heartfelt ingredients that each do their part beautifully. From the rich eggs and creamy milk to the warm spices and sweet sugars, each element combines to create layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole irresistible.
- French bread: About 14 to 16 ounces cut into cubes, this gives you the perfect base with a sturdy yet soft texture that absorbs the custard wonderfully.
- Eggs: Eight large eggs provide the rich structure essential for that creamy custard feel.
- Whole milk: 2 1/4 cups add moisture and richness for a luscious soak.
- Heavy cream: Half a cup ups the decadence and gives the casserole a velvety smoothness.
- Granulated sugar: Half a cup brings sweetness that balances perfectly with the spices.
- Brown sugar: Quarter cup adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the custard.
- Vanilla extract: Two teaspoons for that warm, inviting aroma and flavor boost.
- Ground cinnamon: One teaspoon layered throughout for cozy spice and color.
- Ground nutmeg: A quarter teaspoon for a subtle nutty warmth.
- Salt: A quarter teaspoon to enhance and balance all the sweet flavors.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): Half a cup to help create that perfectly crumbly texture on top.
- Brown sugar (for topping): Half a cup to caramelize into a delightful crust as it bakes.
- Cinnamon (for topping): One teaspoon making the topping irresistibly fragrant.
- Salt (for topping): A quarter teaspoon to bring out the sweetness.
- Cold unsalted butter: Half a cup cut into cubes, key for a rich, buttery crumble topping.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks. Then, layer your 1-inch cubes of French bread evenly in the dish. The bread acts like a sponge, soaking up all the sumptuous custard, so make sure the pieces are spread out nicely for even soaking and baking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is beautifully combined. This rich custard brings flavor, moisture, and that gorgeous golden color to every bite.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Overnight
Pour the custard gently over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets plenty of soaking by pressing down slightly. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours. This soaking time is what gives the casserole its creamy, tender heart and makes mornings way easier.
Step 4: Make the Topping
While the casserole is soaking, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until it forms coarse crumbs. Keep this in the fridge to maintain its chilliness because that butter is what creates the perfect crumbly, golden crust that everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and evenly sprinkle the topping over your soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing those flavors to meld and the texture to firm up just right.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this casserole presents a fantastic opportunity to get creative. Fresh berries add brightness and a juicy contrast, a dusting of powdered sugar gives a pretty, snowy look, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup amps up that comforting sweetness. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairing it with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages creates a wonderful balance of salty and sweet. Fresh fruit salad or even a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can add refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, consider serving the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish or cut into charming squares for a buffet. Another fun idea is to add chopped nuts or a handful of chocolate chips into the topping before baking for extra texture and surprising bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard will continue to soak slightly, making the dish even more flavorful, and reheating just before serving brings back that fresh-baked appeal.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole after it has been baked and cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It freezes for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes to keep it moist and delicious. Adding a little extra syrup or butter before serving can enhance the warmth and flavor perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread works wonderfully, challah or brioche are excellent alternatives that add an even richer, more tender texture thanks to their buttery crumb.
Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?
Overnight soaking really is the secret to achieving the creamy, custardy texture, but if you’re pressed for time, at least 6 hours will do. The longer the soak, the better the flavor and softness of the bread.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the casserole?
Yes! Incorporating fresh berries or chopped nuts before baking introduces lovely bursts of texture and flavor. Just scatter them evenly over the bread before pouring the custard for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses regular bread and flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free bread and flour substitutes, but the texture and soaking may vary.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Traditional eggs, milk, and butter make this dish rich and creamy, so while you can try vegan substitutes like plant-based milk, tofu, or vegan butter, the texture and flavor will differ. Experimenting with vegan custard recipes could help create a similar experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels indulgent without the fuss, the Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a heartwarming, easy-to-make dish that brings everyone around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. Give it a try for your next brunch or special occasion and enjoy the sweet, custardy goodness that only a homemade casserole can deliver.
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delicious and comforting make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Cubed French bread is soaked overnight in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble and baked until golden and set. Serve with maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (about 14–16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Bread and Custard: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the cubed French bread evenly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate the topping until ready to use.
- Preheat Oven and Assemble: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and evenly sprinkle the prepared topping over the soaked bread mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the custard is fully set in the center. The edges should be bubbly and the topping crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to firm up slightly for clean slices. Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, and optional fresh berries or nuts.
Notes
- You can substitute challah or brioche bread for a richer, more tender texture.
- Add fresh berries or chopped nuts before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve with maple syrup, fruit preserves, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Prepare the casserole the night before to save time on busy mornings.
- Use cold butter for the topping to ensure a crumbly, crisp texture when baked.
