Overnight French Toast Casserole: A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipe

Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that transforms a classic breakfast favorite into a convenient and scrumptious meal. Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home, all thanks to this easy-to-make casserole. This recipe has its roots in traditional French cuisine, where bread is often repurposed into delicious meals, making it not only a tasty option but also a resourceful one.

People love Overnight French Toast Casserole for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, custardy bread melds beautifully with the crispy top, creating a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the convenience of preparing it the night before means you can enjoy a leisurely morning with family and friends, making it an ideal choice for brunch gatherings or holiday celebrations. Trust me, once you try this Overnight French Toast Casserole, it will become a cherished staple in your breakfast repertoire!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Preparing the Casserole

Let’s get started on this delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole! The first step is to prepare the bread and the egg mixture.

1. Cube the Bread: Take your loaf of French bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. You want them to be uniform so they cook evenly. If your bread is a day or two old, that’s perfect! Stale bread absorbs the custard better.
2. Arrange the Bread: In a large mixing bowl or a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cubed bread evenly. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the bread cubes now.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture: In a separate large bowl, crack the 8 large eggs. Whisk them together until they are well beaten.
4. Add Dairy: To the beaten eggs, add 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. This combination gives the casserole a rich and creamy texture.
5. Sweeten It Up: Next, add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
6. Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down the bread cubes, ensuring they are all soaked in the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the flavors.

Cooking Process

Now that we’ve let the casserole soak overnight, it’s time to bake it to perfection!

1. Preheat the Oven: The first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Prepare for Baking: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps to avoid a temperature shock when it goes into the oven.
3. Bake the Casserole: Once the oven is preheated, uncover the casserole and place it in the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
4. Optional Topping: If you like a crunchy topping, you can sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the top of the casserole about 10 minutes before it’s done baking. This will create a lovely caramelized crust.

Assembling and Serving

Once your casserole is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up!

1. Cool Slightly: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
2. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into squares. You can serve it directly from the baking dish or transfer the squares to individual plates.
3. Add Toppings: Drizzle each serving with maple syrup for that classic French toast flavor. If you like, you can also dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and presentation.
4. 

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Overnight French Toast Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. The combination of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard, paired with the sweet notes of cinnamon and vanilla, creates a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. You can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for that extra touch of sweetness. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a side of crispy bacon for a well-rounded breakfast experience. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, to give it your own unique twist. I encourage you to give this Overnight French Toast Casserole a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend brunch, I promise it will be a hit! Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Overnight French Toast Casserole: A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipe

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 65-75 minutes
   • Yield: 8 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Enjoy a delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole, featuring custard-soaked bread and warm spices. Perfect for brunch, this easy-to-make dish can be prepared the night before and baked to golden perfection in the morning.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 loaf of French bread (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
   • 8 large eggs
   • 2 cups whole milk
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
   • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
   • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
   • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. Cut the loaf of French bread into 1-inch cubes. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better.
   2. Spread the cubed bread evenly in a large mixing bowl or a 9×13-inch baking dish. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the bread cubes.
   3. In a separate large bowl, crack the 8 large eggs and whisk until well beaten.
   4. To the beaten eggs, add 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing until combined.
   5. Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
   6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Gently press down the bread cubes with a spatula to ensure they are soaked. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
   7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   8. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
   9. Uncover the casserole and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
   10. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the casserole about 10 minutes before it’s done baking.
   11. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
   12. Cut the casserole into squares and serve directly from the baking dish or transfer to individual plates.
   13. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

   Notes

   • For best results, use day-old French bread.
   • Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or fruits.
   • This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 45-55 minutes