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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Cut the loaf of French bread into 1-inch cubes. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better.
- 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.
- In a separate large bowl, crack the 8 large eggs and whisk until well beaten.
- To the beaten eggs, add 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing until combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- 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.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the casserole about 10 minutes before its done baking.
- Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve directly from the baking dish or transfer to individual plates.
- 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