Description

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead breakfast dish featuring cubed French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices, topped with a buttery brown sugar base for a sweet caramelized flavor. Simply prepare the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a warm, comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Base:

½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar

Bread Layer:

1 (8-oz) loaf French bread, cubed

Custard Mixture:

2 cups milk
6 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Brown Sugar Base: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Immediately pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a caramelized base for the casserole.
Arrange the Bread: Spread the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter mixture, ensuring full coverage to absorb the flavors.
Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth and fully combined.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
Bake the Casserole: Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.

Notes

For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the brown sugar base before adding the bread cubes.
Use day-old bread for best absorption and texture.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set further.
This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd using a larger pan and adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Top servings with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar for extra sweetness.