Overnight French Toast Casserole
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a game-changer for breakfast! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for family breakfasts or holiday gatherings. Prep everything the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning. The result? A warm, golden, custardy casserole that’s guaranteed to impress without the morning rush. Everyone will love its rich flavor and fluffy texture—plus, no standing over a stove flipping slices!
The best part? This recipe is super versatile. Add fresh fruit like berries or diced apples for a fruity twist. Sprinkle in chocolate chips for a fun, sweet surprise. Use flavored bread like cinnamon swirl, challah, or brioche for extra flair. Pair it with crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast. The options are endless! Ready to explore more? Check out other easy breakfast recipes to make your mornings extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Effortless Prep: Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning—no fuss required!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd and makes any breakfast or brunch feel special.
- Customizable: Swap breads, add fruit, or sprinkle in extras like chocolate chips or cinnamon.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Warm, custardy, and just the right touch of sweetness.
- Stress-Free Mornings: No flipping or standing at the stove—just bake and serve!
- Family-Friendly: A dish everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Save time by prepping it all in advance.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread (Italian, brioche, or challah) cubed
- 5 eggs
- 1¼ cup milk (whole or low-fat)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream (optional), sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Assemble: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
Prepare the Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to create a crumbly texture. Store in the refrigerator if preparing the night before. I prefer doing it the day of baking.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the casserole (if using).
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with powdered sugar, syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream
Make It Your Own
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is super versatile, so you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are some creative ways to make it your own:
- Add Fresh Fruit: Toss in berries, diced apples, or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
- Sweeten It Up: Sprinkle in chocolate chips, raisins, or shredded coconut for added sweetness.
- Boost the Flavor: Mix in a splash of orange juice or almond extract for a unique taste.
- Pair It Up: Serve with crispy bacon, sausage, or a dollop of whipped cream for a complete breakfast.
With so many options, every casserole can be a new, delicious creation!
Looking for more delicious breakfast ideas? Check out these breakfast recipes for inspiration to kickstart your day. Whether you’re craving savory dishes like Sweet Potato Breakfast Potatoes and Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, or something sweet like Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake, there’s a recipe for everyone. Explore these and more to make your mornings extra special!