If you’re craving a cozy, show-stopping breakfast that practically makes itself overnight, this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine thick, buttery brioche soaked in a rich custard of eggs, cream, and warm spices, then baked to golden perfection with a sweet, crumbly topping that adds the perfect texture contrast. It’s everything you love about classic French toast but with the ease and magic of preparing it the night before—making your morning stress-free and deliciously indulgent. Trust me, once you try this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe, it will become a staple for weekend brunches and holiday mornings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness. From the bread choice to the blend of spices, everything is essential for achieving that perfect balance.
- Bread (1 pound loaf of brioche, challah, French bread, or white bread): Provides a soft yet sturdy base that soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Eggs (8 large): Create the creamy, rich custard that binds the bread and adds depth to the texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings indulgence and a velvety texture to the casserole.
- Milk (2 cups): Lightens the custard while keeping it smooth and flavorful.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons, packed): Adds warmth and caramel notes that complement the spices.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Contributes to the crunchy, sweet topping that is simply irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon): A classic spice that infuses the entire dish with comforting flavor.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and fragrant aroma that elevates the custard.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of warm spice in the topping for added complexity.
- Cold butter (2 tablespoons, cut into pieces): Creates the perfect crumbly texture in the topping once baked.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Bread
Begin by generously greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish—this ensures the casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking. Cut your bread into 1-inch chunks, choosing your favorite type like brioche for extra richness or challah for a tender crumb. Place these bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish, which will soak up all that luscious custard you’re about to pour on.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth and frothy. Add the heavy cream, milk, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Combining these ingredients creates the dreamy custard that will soak through every piece of bread, transforming it into soft, flavorful goodness. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then toss gently to make sure every morsel is coated.
Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight
Spread the soaked bread into an even layer in the pan and cover it tightly before refrigerating overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, ensuring each bite is decadently moist and infused with flavor by morning.
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Add the cold butter pieces, then use a pastry blender or your hands to incorporate the butter into the sugars until the mixture becomes crumbly. This topping will bake into a beautifully golden, crunchy layer that adds texture and sweetness. Cover and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover it. Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the soaked bread. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the custard is fully set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling gently and the topping looks perfectly crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes—this resting time helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to cut and enjoy. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by your favorite syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this casserole comes alive with toppings. Fresh berries add a bright, juicy contrast, while whipped cream or mascarpone lend a luscious creaminess. If you want a classic finish, warm maple syrup drizzled over the top never disappoints. A sprinkle of powdered sugar is a simple yet elegant touch that completes the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
To round out your brunch experience, consider serving with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for savory balance. Fresh fruit salad is another great side that adds color and freshness. For a truly decadent spread, pair it with a light green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins, which makes serving personal and elegant. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch. Hosting brunch? Set up a toppings bar with assorted syrups, nuts, and fresh fruits so everyone can customize their slices. Trust me, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for easy, ready-to-reheat breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, cut into portions and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and foil before placing them into a freezer-safe bag. Frozen portions can last up to 2 months, perfect for planning ahead for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or frozen casserole, warm your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake covered loosely with foil for 15-20 minutes (longer if frozen), until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but baking helps maintain the crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are preferred for their richness and texture, French bread or even a sturdy white bread can work well. Just avoid very soft sandwich breads that may become too mushy.
Do I have to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Yes, refrigerating overnight is crucial. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful casserole. You can soak it for at least a few hours if short on time, but overnight is best.
Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Yes! Preparing the crumbly topping the night before saves you time in the morning. Just keep it refrigerated and sprinkle it over the casserole right before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for feeding a crowd?
Definitely. This recipe serves 10, making it ideal for family breakfasts, brunches, or holiday gatherings. You can easily double the ingredients for larger groups.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting the milk and cream with coconut or almond milk and use a plant-based butter alternative in the topping. For vegan adaptations, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg substitute. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Once you master this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe, you’ll be hooked on how effortlessly it transforms mornings into something special. It’s a comforting hug on a plate that comes together with simple ingredients and a little patience. So go ahead, try it out for your next lazy weekend or festive gathering—you’ll thank yourself and everyone at your table will too!
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: overnight plus 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring tender chunks of brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, cream, and milk, spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. Topped with a crumbly cinnamon-nutmeg streusel, it bakes into a golden, comforting casserole perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 pound loaf of brioche, challah, French bread, or white bread, cut into 1 inch chunks
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread: Grease a 9×13″ baking dish thoroughly. Cut your chosen bread into 1-inch chunks and place them evenly in the baking dish to create the base layer of the casserole.
- Make the Custard Mixture and Assemble: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth. Add heavy cream, milk, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all ingredients into a custard. Pour this custard evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently toss the bread in the custard to ensure all pieces absorb the mixture. Then spread everything into an even layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender or your hands to mix until the mixture forms crumbly clumps. Cover the topping and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumbly topping over the soaked bread. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is fully set in the middle.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving, helping it to set further. Serve warm topped with your choice of homemade syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or other favorite breakfast toppings.
Notes
- Using brioche or challah bread results in a richer, sweeter casserole, but any sturdy white bread also works well.
- Refrigerating the bread soaked overnight allows the flavors to meld and the custard to fully absorb into the bread, making for an incredibly tender texture.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the cream and milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative for the topping.
- To keep the topping crumbly, avoid overmixing once the butter is added.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
