Overnight French Toast Casserole

When I first discovered French toast casserole, it felt like unearthing a hidden gem. This dish brings together everything I love about breakfast into one hearty, comforting bake. It’s perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or special occasions when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and milk, you can create a dish that’s both delightful and easy to prepare, making it a beloved favorite in my home.

The best part? You can whip it up the night before and bake it fresh the next morning, allowing you to enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen without any stress. The texture is wonderfully custardy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, and when drizzled with pure maple syrup, it’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch or enjoying it with family on a Sunday, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Why you’ll love this

• Make-ahead convenience saves time on busy mornings.
• Deliciously indulgent with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Simple ingredients that are often readily available in your pantry.
• Versatile dish – customize with fruits or nuts for different flavors.

"Such an easy recipe, and everyone loves it!"

How this recipe comes together

Making an Overnight French toast casserole is a straightforward and rewarding process. First, you whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Then, you coat the bread cubes in this mixture before letting it soak overnight in the fridge. The following morning, you simply pop it in the oven and bake until golden and set, creating an aromatic treat that’s ready to serve warm with syrup and powdered sugar.

What you’ll need

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving

Ingredient notes & swaps

• French bread: Any day-old bread can work, like challah or brioche, for extra richness.
• Milk: Feel free to use whole, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be substituted for a deeper flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this casserole. Here’s how to create your own Overnight French toast casserole:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and combined. This mixture creates the custardy base for your casserole.
2. Place the bread cubes in a greased baking dish and pour the egg mixture over them, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors and moisture.
4. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare for the delightful aroma to fill your home.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden on top, with a firm yet soft texture inside. The top should be slightly crispy and golden-brown.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup and powdered sugar for a delightful finish.

Helpful cooking tips

• Use day-old bread for the best absorption and texture.
• The longer the bread soaks, the custardier the casserole will be.
• Make sure to cover the baking dish well while refrigerating to prevent drying out.

Best ways to enjoy it

To serve this delightful Overnight French toast casserole, simply slice into generous portions and stack on plates. Drizzle each serving with warm maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with fresh seasonal berries or sliced bananas on the side, adding a burst of freshness alongside this rich, comforting dish.

Storage & reheating tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at a low temperature or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked casserole for a later date; just make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.

How to fix common issues

If you encounter common issues like a dry casserole, try adding a bit more milk to the egg mixture next time before soaking. If your casserole turns out too soggy, limit soaking time to just a few hours instead of overnight. And for those who find it bland, a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor dramatically.

Creative twists

This Overnight French toast casserole is incredibly versatile. You can add fresh or frozen berries for a fruity kick, or sprinkle in some chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness. Another option is to mix in a handful of nuts for a crunchy contrast. Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist that suits your taste.

Your questions answered

Can I prepare this casserole without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with a mixture of silken tofu or a commercial egg replacer. These options will give you a similar custard-like texture.

What can I do if it’s too sweet for my taste?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the egg mixture or replace it with a natural sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup, adjusting to your sweetness preference.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Your casserole is ready when it’s puffed up, the edges are golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Can I add fruits inside the casserole?

Absolutely! You can layer fruits like apples, blueberries, or bananas into the bread mixture before refrigerating for added flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to defrost the frozen casserole?

If you’ve frozen it, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. It will take about 45-50 minutes to bake from this state; just add a few extra minutes if starting from a colder temperature.

This Overnight French toast casserole will quickly become a family tradition. With its warm custardy interior and delightful toppings, it brings joy to each and every breakfast.

Overnight French Toast Casserole

A delightful and easy-to-make casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch that combines the goodness of French bread, eggs, and milk, baked to perfection, making it a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes Any day-old bread like challah or brioche can work for extra richness.
• 6 large eggs For a vegan alternative, substitute with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer.
• 2 cups milk Any milk, including non-dairy alternatives, is acceptable.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Can be varied for additional flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving Optional but recommended.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and combined.
2. Place the bread cubes in a greased baking dish and pour the egg mixture over them, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Baking

1. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden on top, with a firm yet soft texture inside.
3. Serve warm with maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best results. The longer the bread soaks, the custardier the casserole will be. Cover the baking dish well while refrigerating to prevent drying out.