Overnight French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is the ideal breakfast or brunch dish, especially when you want to enjoy a flavorful meal without the morning hassle. By preparing it the night before, you can save precious time and wake up to the comforting aroma of freshly baked French toast. The dish combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, with a golden, crunchy topping that adds a perfect texture contrast to the soft, soaked bread underneath. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite bread or toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast

• 8 eggs

• 2 cups half and half

• ½ cup milk

• 3 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Crunch Topping:

• 1 ½ sticks butter, softened

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Prepare the baking dish: Coat a 9"x13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside.

2. Slice the bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in rows in your prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Set aside.

3. Make the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

4. Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure to coat them completely. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices to ensure they are soaked through. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

5. Preheat the oven: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully flip each slice of bread to ensure that both sides are well-coated with the egg mixture.

6. Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, corn syrup (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

7. Add the topping: Spoon the cinnamon crunch topping over the bread slices, spreading it evenly across the top. You can also spread some topping between the slices if you prefer.

8. Bake: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, uncovered, until it is puffed and lightly golden.

9. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious, easy French toast casserole!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Bread choices: Instead of French bread, you can also use sourdough or even a loaf of challah for a slightly sweeter, richer flavor.

• Add-ins: Consider adding berries, chocolate chips, or nuts between the bread layers for extra flavor and texture.

• Toppings: If you’re looking for a more decadent finish, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Overnight French Toast Casserole the night before?

Yes, that’s the best part! You prepare everything the night before and let the casserole soak in the refrigerator overnight, so it’s ready to bake in the morning.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute French bread with sourdough, brioche, or even a thick Texas toast for a slightly different texture and flavor.

3. Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Absolutely! After assembling, cover the casserole with foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from getting too soggy?

Make sure the bread slices are not too thick, and allow enough time for the egg mixture to soak through the bread. If the casserole is too wet, try pressing down gently to remove excess moisture before baking.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free bread option to make this casserole suitable for a gluten-free diet.

6. Can I omit the cinnamon crunch topping?

Yes, the casserole will still taste great without the topping, but it will lack the crisp, sugary finish. You can also use a different crumble topping, such as a streusel..

8. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, almond milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk or half-and-half. Just keep in mind the flavor may change slightly.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole should be puffed and golden on top. You can also check if the center is set by inserting a knife or toothpick—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two 9x13-inch pans or a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

Overnight French Toast Casserole is a breakfast favorite that brings comfort and joy to any morning. With its soft, custardy interior and crunchy, cinnamon-sweet topping, it’s sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Plus, the make-ahead nature of this dish allows you to enjoy a delicious breakfast without any morning stress. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself, this casserole is the perfect choice for a memorable start to your day.

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