Overnight French Toast Casserole

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful and comforting breakfast or brunch dish that combines the warm, fluffy texture of French toast with the convenience of preparing it the night before. This dish is perfect for those busy mornings when you want to enjoy a delicious, indulgent meal without the hassle of preparing it from scratch while everyone is still sleeping. The beauty of this casserole lies in its ability to be made ahead, allowing the bread to soak in a rich, cinnamon-infused custard overnight, resulting in a perfectly baked, golden-brown casserole in the morning. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy to make.

Perfect for:

• Weekend breakfast or brunch
• Holiday mornings like Christmas or Eid
• Family gatherings
• Special occasions
• Make-ahead meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast Casserole

Here’s why Overnight French Toast Casserole will become a staple in your breakfast or brunch rotation:

• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the casserole the night before, which makes it incredibly convenient for busy mornings. Simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready, and you have a delicious breakfast ready to serve.
• Cinnamon-Sweet Flavor: The sweet and warm flavor of cinnamon infuses the bread, creating a comforting taste that pairs beautifully with syrup, berries, or whipped cream.
• Rich, Custardy Texture: The custard made with eggs, milk, and vanilla creates a smooth, velvety texture that is perfect for soaking into the bread, resulting in a casserole that’s soft on the inside and slightly crispy on top.
• Customizable: This casserole can easily be customized by adding fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips. It’s perfect for any palate or dietary preference.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavor and generous servings, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s for a family breakfast or a festive gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (plus 8 hours of refrigeration time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent Overnight French Toast Casserole:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (preferably a day or two old)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh fruit (e.g., berries or bananas) for topping (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Maple syrup for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Brioche or Challah Bread: These types of bread are ideal for French toast casseroles due to their rich texture, slight sweetness, and ability to absorb the custard without falling apart.
• Eggs and Dairy: The combination of eggs, milk, and heavy cream creates a rich custard that soaks into the bread, providing a creamy, custard-like texture when baked.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth to the casserole, creating that cozy, comforting flavor we all love in French toast.
• Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup: Brown sugar provides a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness, while maple syrup adds a lovely touch of flavor when served with the casserole.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare the perfect Overnight French Toast Casserole:

Prepare the Casserole:

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into cubes, approximately 1-2 inches in size. Arrange the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure the pieces are spread out evenly.
2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the ingredients are fully combined and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece is soaked. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the custard. If necessary, add a little more milk or cream to ensure all the bread is soaked.
4. Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to soak in the custard and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Bake the Casserole:

5. Preheat the Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature while the oven heats up.
6. Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole to help it bake into a golden, crispy top.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Serve:

8. Cool and Slice: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it into squares or serving portions.
9. Top and Serve: Serve the casserole warm, topped with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole

Overnight French Toast Casserole can be served in a variety of ways to enhance the dish and create a memorable breakfast experience:

• With Fresh Fruit: Add berries, sliced bananas, or even caramelized apples for a fresh contrast to the rich, custardy casserole.
• With Maple Syrup: A classic way to serve French toast casserole is with maple syrup drizzled over the top, adding sweetness and flavor.
• With Whipped Cream: For a more indulgent treat, top your casserole with freshly whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
• For a Crowd: Serve the casserole family-style on a large platter with extra toppings, like toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or granola for a bit of crunch.
• As a Make-Ahead Meal: Since this casserole is prepared the night before, it’s perfect for meal prep. Just bake it in the morning, and you have breakfast ready in no time.

Additional Tips for Overnight French Toast Casserole

Here are some tips to make your Overnight French Toast Casserole even better:

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best for French toast casseroles because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out.
• Add Extra Flavors: Feel free to get creative with your flavors. You can add chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts to the custard for additional sweetness and texture.
• Customize the Spices: If you like a spicier flavor, try adding a bit of cardamom or pumpkin pie spice along with the cinnamon.
• Use a Bigger Pan: If you want to make a larger batch for a crowd, you can double the recipe and use a larger baking dish, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Recipe Variations of Overnight French Toast Casserole

Here are 10 variations of Overnight French Toast Casserole that you can try:

• Apple Cinnamon Casserole: Add diced apples and extra cinnamon to the custard for a fall-inspired breakfast.
• Berry-Layered Casserole: Layer in fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Nutty French Toast Casserole: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a satisfying crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Casserole: Add chocolate chips to the bread mixture for a sweet, dessert-like version.
• Pumpkin Spice Casserole: Add canned pumpkin puree and a touch of pumpkin spice for a cozy, seasonal breakfast.
• Coconut French Toast Casserole: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
• Peach French Toast Casserole: Layer in fresh or frozen peaches for a juicy, fruity addition.
• Maple Pecan Casserole: Add chopped pecans and a swirl of maple syrup for a nutty, sweet variation.
• Banana Nut Casserole: Add sliced bananas and chopped nuts to the mixture for a banana bread-inspired twist.
• Churro French Toast Casserole: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the casserole for a churro-inspired flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Overnight French Toast Casserole

• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. To bake, remove from the freezer, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in the oven for a few minutes until warm.

Special Equipment for Overnight French Toast Casserole

Here are 10 special equipment items you might need to make Overnight French Toast Casserole:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard baking dish is the perfect size for making this casserole.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need mixing bowls to combine the custard ingredients and bread cubes.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for combining the eggs, milk, cream, and spices evenly.
• Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole while it chills overnight in the fridge.
• Basting Brush: To drizzle the melted butter over the casserole before baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect custard mixture.
• Knife: To cut the bread into cubes and slice the finished casserole.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the casserole to cool evenly once it’s baked.
• Serving Platter: For presenting the casserole to guests or family.
• Sifter: To sift powdered sugar or cinnamon over the casserole before serving.

FAQ Section about Overnight French Toast Casserole

1. Can I use different types of bread for the casserole? Yes! You can use other types of bread such as French bread, sourdough, or whole wheat. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart.
2. Can I make the casserole dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the milk and cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or another dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free butter.
3. Can I add nuts to the casserole? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the custard or sprinkle them on top before baking for extra crunch.
4. How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and crispy. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and bake it after thawing.

Print

Conclusion of Overnight French Toast Casserole

Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make breakfast that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast, a family brunch, or just as a treat, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich, custardy flavor and comforting texture. With a little bit of prep the night before, you can wake up to a warm and delicious breakfast that feels like a special occasion every time. Enjoy!