Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 74 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 60 minutes (including 4+ hours refrigeration soak and baking time)
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is a comforting and indulgent breakfast treat that combines cubes of day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream. After refrigerating overnight to absorb all the flavors, it’s topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch, it serves 8 to 10 people with minimal morning prep required.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole

  • 1 loaf French bread (approx. 12 cups cubed, day-old preferred)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Topping

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Cut Bread: Slice the French bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the greased baking dish.
  3. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg if using, until well combined.
  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula or your hands to ensure all cubes absorb the liquid thoroughly.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the bread to soak and the flavors to meld.
  6. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  7. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.
  8. Add Topping and Nuts: Remove the casserole from the fridge. Drizzle the prepared cinnamon-butter topping evenly over the soaked bread. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top if desired for extra texture and flavor.
  9. Bake: Place the uncovered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set in the center.
  10. Rest: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to firm up before slicing and serving.
  11. Serve: Enjoy warm with optional accompaniments like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a delightful breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Day-old French bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
  • The overnight soak enhances flavor and texture but a minimum of 4 hours is sufficient if short on time.
  • Optional nutmeg adds warm spice but can be omitted if not preferred.
  • Add nuts for crunch or leave them out for a nut-free option.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://whisksweetly.com/best-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe/