Overnight French Toast Casserole: Amazing Make-Ahead

Save this recipe on:

Overnight French toast casserole has truly changed my mornings. I used to dread busy weekdays, but now I can wake up to a warm, comforting breakfast that smells incredible without any last-minute fuss. I remember the first time I tried this easy overnight French toast; the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filled my kitchen, and my family practically floated to the table. Learning how to make overnight french toast casserole was a game-changer for my breakfast routine, turning ordinary mornings into something truly special. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast Casserole

• Incredible flavor with a rich, custardy center and slightly crisp edges.
• Minimal morning prep – just bake and enjoy!
• A fantastic make ahead French toast casserole for busy mornings.
• Budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
• A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family breakfasts or holiday brunches.
• It’s incredibly versatile, easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.
• This make ahead French toast casserole saves you time and stress.
• A delightful way to start your day with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Overnight French Toast Casserole

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to breakfast perfection. For the best results in your Brioche French toast Casserole, I always opt for slightly stale bread; this helps it soak up all the delicious custard without getting mushy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 cups thick-cut brioche or challah bread, slightly stale – this is key for texture!
• 6 large eggs – the base of our rich custard
• 2 cups whole milk – adds creaminess without being too heavy
• 1 cup heavy cream – for that extra decadent, custardy feel
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the custard
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – essential for that classic French toast flavor
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – if you love a hint of spice
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted – for dotting the top before baking
• Powdered sugar, for serving – a light dusting makes it extra special

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole

1. Step 1: The day before, slice your bread into thick, 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. I like to leave them out on the counter for a few hours, or even overnight, to dry out just a bit. This is super important for getting that perfect texture.
2. Step 2: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Arrange your bread slices snugly inside, overlapping them slightly so they fill the dish nicely.
3. Step 3: Now for the custard! In a big bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and the optional 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour this glorious custard mixture evenly over all the bread slices. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to make sure each piece soaks up that delicious liquid.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Pop it into the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This is where the magic happens for our baked French toast overnight!
6. Step 6: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, let your casserole sit out on the counter for about 15-20 minutes to come to room temperature. Dot the top of the bread with the 2 tablespoons butter, melted.
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing – a true sign of successful baked French toast overnight.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting period helps it firm up. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm for the ultimate breakfast treat.

Pro Tips for the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

I’ve made this dish countless times, and a few tricks really elevate it. Using day-old bread is my top tip; fresh bread can get too soggy. Also, don’t be afraid to press the bread down into the custard to ensure maximum absorption. This simple step makes a huge difference in the final texture, ensuring every bite is perfectly custardy. For more baking tips, you can check out our baking guides.

• Use slightly stale or day-old bread for optimal texture.
• Press the bread into the custard to soak evenly.
• Let the casserole rest after baking to set properly.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth.

What’s the secret to perfect Overnight French Toast Casserole?

The real secret to the best French toast casserole recipe is the combination of day-old bread and letting it soak overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the rich custard fully, creating an incredibly tender and flavorful dish. Don’t skip the overnight chill! For more details on food preparation, you can refer to expert advice.

Can I make Overnight French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of it. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. This is precisely why make french toast casserole overnight is so popular – it makes busy mornings so much easier! You can find more information on our policies regarding make-ahead meals.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Overnight French Toast Casserole?

The most common mistake is using fresh bread, which can lead to a mushy casserole. If you forget to leave bread out, a quick toast in the oven can help dry it. Also, resist the urge to overbake; it should be golden and set, not dry. Learn more about proper food handling on our terms of use page.

Best Ways to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole

This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekend breakfast to a more elegant affair. For a delightful French toast casserole for brunch, I love pairing it with a fresh fruit salad and some crispy bacon or sausage. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup takes it to the next level. You could also serve it with a side of yogurt for a lighter option, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added crunch. It’s a truly adaptable dish that always feels special!

Nutrition Facts for Overnight French Toast Casserole

This delicious breakfast treat is sure to be a hit! Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving, which typically yields about 8 servings:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 280mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on dietary guidelines, consult our GDPR information.

How to Store and Reheat Overnight French Toast Casserole

The beauty of this dish is that you can prepare it ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Once baked and cooled slightly, you can store leftovers by covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or by transferring portions to airtight containers. This simple overnight french toast bake will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you store it.

To reheat, you have a couple of easy options. For individual slices, a quick 30-60 seconds in the microwave does the trick. If you’re reheating a larger portion or the whole casserole from the fridge, pop it back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, then reheat as you would the refrigerated leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overnight French Toast Casserole

What is overnight french toast casserole?

An overnight french toast casserole is a breakfast dish where bread, typically brioche or challah, is soaked in a custard mixture overnight and then baked. It’s essentially a make-ahead, baked version of classic French toast, perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying a special breakfast with minimal morning effort.

Can I add cinnamon to my overnight french toast casserole?

Absolutely! A touch of French toast casserole with cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s absolutely delicious. I usually add about a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the custard mixture, but feel free to adjust it to your preference. It pairs wonderfully with the vanilla and sugar.

How do I make French toast casserole without eggs?

While this recipe uses eggs for richness and binding, you can make a French toast casserole without eggs by using a plant-based milk, like almond or soy, combined with cornstarch or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). It won’t be quite as custardy, but it can still be delicious! For more vegan recipe ideas, visit our affiliate disclaimer page.

What kind of bread is best for this recipe?

For the absolute best French toast casserole recipe, brioche or challah bread is ideal because of its rich, eggy texture. Slightly stale bread is even better as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. If you don’t have brioche or challah, a sturdy white bread or even sourdough can work in a pinch!

Variations of Overnight French Toast Casserole You Can Try

Once you master the basic recipe, you’ll love experimenting with different flavors and twists. This dish is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to create a sweet French toast casserole tailored to your preferences. For a burst of freshness, try adding a cup of fresh or frozen French toast casserole with berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries directly into the custard mixture before baking. You can also swap out the brioche for challah for a slightly different flavor profile.

For a richer, more decadent version, consider adding a layer of cream cheese mixed with a little powdered sugar between the bread and custard. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, simply substitute the milk and cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk, and ensure your bread is dairy-free as well. Baking it in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours can also be a convenient alternative if your oven is occupied.

Print