Overnight French Toast Casserole

Overnight French Toast Casserole is the ideal dish for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of French toast but wants to avoid the hassle of cooking individual slices in the morning. This casserole is prepared the night before and baked the next morning, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions. With a custard-soaked bread base, a crunchy cinnamon topping, and the ability to serve a crowd, it’s a must-try for French toast lovers. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore variations, tips, and common questions about the dish.

Ingredients for Overnight French Toast Casserole

For a casserole that serves about 8 people, you will need:

For the French Toast Base:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 12-16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for a richer custard)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

the Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar

Instructions for Making Overnight French Toast Casserole

Prepare the Bread Base

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Place the cubed bread in the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard well, so if the bread is fresh, let it sit out to dry for a few hours or toast lightly in the oven.

Make the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, resulting in a tender and flavorful casserole.

Prepare the Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Take the casserole out of the refrigerator and sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread mixture.
3. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If you prefer a softer texture, bake for 45 minutes; for a crispier top, bake closer to 55 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

• Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar, as desired.

Tips for the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

1. Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, so try to use bread that’s a day or two old. If your bread is fresh, toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry it out.
2. Customize the Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
3. Add Flavor with Spices: If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the custard.
4. Keep It Covered Overnight: Covering the casserole overnight in the fridge helps to prevent the top layer of bread from drying out and ensures all the bread pieces absorb the custard.

Recipe Variations

1. Berry French Toast Casserole: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries) to the casserole before pouring the custard over the bread. The berries add a burst of color and a fresh, fruity flavor.
2. Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole: Sprinkle ½ cup of chocolate chips over the bread cubes before adding the custard for a sweet twist.
3. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: Sauté 1-2 peeled and diced apples with a bit of butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and layer them over the bread before pouring on the custard.
4. Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole: Add chopped pecans to the topping and drizzle some maple syrup over the casserole before baking for extra maple flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?

Yes! Brioche and challah are traditional because of their rich, soft texture, but you can also use French bread or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the bread is somewhat stale for the best texture.

2. How Long Does It Take to Make?

The casserole should refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the bread to absorb the custard. Baking takes about 45-55 minutes in the oven.

3. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes, substitute the milk and cream with a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for the topping.

4. Can I Add Protein to This Recipe?

If you want to make it heartier, you could add crumbled cooked bacon or sausage to the bread mixture before adding the custard. The savory addition will balance the sweet flavors.

5. How Long Does Leftover French Toast Casserole Last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

Overnight French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast dish that’s both easy and impressive. With a soft, custardy center and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with a variety of flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility; you can adapt it to suit any taste or occasion by adding fruits, nuts, or even chocolate. Make this recipe part of your breakfast or brunch routine and enjoy a delicious, stress-free morning with family and friends.

Serve it warm with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget the maple syrup!