If you are searching for a warm, comforting breakfast that practically makes itself while you sleep, this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the rich aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen in the morning, a golden, custardy casserole waiting in the oven that’s equal parts indulgent and simple. This dish combines the tender, buttery cubed brioche soaked overnight in a luscious custard, then topped with a crumbly, cinnamon-sweet streusel that bakes to perfection. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches, delivering a sweet harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this casserole’s rich texture and unforgettable taste. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s the softness of the brioche bread, the creamy custard soak, or the buttery streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch.
- Brioche or challah bread (1 loaf, about 14–16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose day-old bread for the best texture; it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs (8): Eggs provide structure and richness to the custard base.
- Whole milk (2 1/4 cups): Adds creaminess and lightness to balance the eggs.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Intensifies the custard’s richness and keeps the casserole tender.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the custard.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the brown sugar with delicate sweetness and helps the custard set.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses warm, fragrant notes that make every bite feel luxurious.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Imparts comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthiness to deepen the flavor profile.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and counters the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Foundation for the streusel topping, creating structure and crunch.
- Additional brown sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the topping for a beautifully caramelized crust.
- Additional cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Boosts the spiced flavor in the streusel.
- Additional salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness in the topping.
- Cold unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cubed): When cut into the flour mixture, it creates those irresistible crumbly bits on top.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Custard
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the cubed brioche evenly across the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Pour this custard generously over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to ensure every piece is soaked and ready to absorb those lovely flavors. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This slow soak is the heart of the Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe, transforming the bread into a custardy delight.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into this mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it forms coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a golden, slightly crisp crust, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender casserole beneath.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked bread cubes, covering the entire surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set to the touch. After removing it from the oven, allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes so it sets just right and is safe to serve.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this casserole like well-chosen garnishes. While warm, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Fresh berries add a burst of color and tanginess, perfectly balancing the sweet custard. A drizzle of real maple syrup is the classic finishing touch that transforms this into a shrine of breakfast bliss.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing the casserole with crisp bacon or sausage links to add a savory element to your plate. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette also pairs beautifully if you prefer a light, refreshing side. The creamy richness of the casserole contrasts wonderfully with these fresh, flavorful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can even mix in chopped pecans or berries into the custard before baking for extra texture and bursts of flavor. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into an unforgettable dessert option that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful option for quick breakfasts or snacks. The casserole might lose a bit of its crisp topping softness, but it will remain delicious and comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy that same homemade goodness whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the topping becomes crispy again. A quick spin in the microwave is also fine if you’re in a hurry, but it won’t retain that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! Brioche or challah work best due to their soft, slightly sweet texture, but you can experiment with thick-cut Texas toast or French bread if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful that denser breads may need longer soaking.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the bread for gluten-free bread and use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the streusel topping. The custard mix remains the same and still delivers that comforting flavor.
Can I prepare the casserole the morning of serving instead of overnight?
You can, but the soaking time is key to the custardy texture. Allow at least one hour for the bread to absorb the custard, though overnight is ideal for full flavor and softness.
What can I add to customize the flavors?
Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch, while fresh or dried berries lend fruity bursts. Adding a splash of orange zest or a pinch of cardamom can create exciting flavor twists.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! It’s a vegetarian-friendly dish as it contains no meat or fish. Just check that your bread and any toppings fit your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is like inviting joy to your breakfast table, with minimum effort and maximum deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to morning indulgence, this recipe delivers cozy comfort and sweet satisfaction every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever started the day without it!
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful and convenient make-ahead breakfast or brunch option. Cubes of brioche or challah bread are soaked overnight in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then topped with a crumbly, buttery topping and baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an indulgent morning treat.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 14–16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the cut bread cubes evenly in the dish, making sure they cover the base uniformly.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down lightly so that all bread pieces absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Topping: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold cubes of unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Apply Topping and Bake: Remove the baking dish from the fridge and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes after baking. Serve warm topped with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance to save time in the morning.
- Add chopped pecans or fresh berries to the bread mixture for added flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
