When it comes to breakfast, few things bring a family together quite like a warm, comforting dish that fills the house with delicious aromas. This Overnight French Toast Casserole is one such dish. I remember the first time I made this recipe for a weekend brunch with friends visiting from out of town. The idea of preparing everything the night before was a lifesaver, allowing me to focus on enjoying their company instead of being stuck in the kitchen all morning. This casserole quickly became a favorite, not just for its ease of preparation but for the incredible taste that always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use almost any type of bread, but I personally love using challah or brioche. They absorb the custard mixture beautifully, resulting in a soft, rich texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The topping adds a lovely crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender bread beneath.
One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to customize. If you want to add a fruity twist, consider tossing in some fresh berries or thinly sliced apples before baking. For those who prefer a bit of a nutty crunch, a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top does the trick. And if you’re a fan of spices, a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice can elevate the flavor profile even more.
Whether you’re serving this casserole for a special occasion or just want to treat your family to a leisurely weekend breakfast, it’s a dish that’s sure to please. Plus, the fact that it’s made ahead means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones.
Making Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound of stale bread (brioche, challah, or French)
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 8 large eggs
- 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cold
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of white sugar
Directions
- Slice the bread into one-inch cubes and place them evenly across a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar until thoroughly blended. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is soaked.
- Gently toss the bread to ensure it’s fully coated. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
- For the topping, blend the remaining brown sugar with granulated sugar in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Store this in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, discard the plastic wrap, and evenly distribute the sugar topping over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Yes, you can use different types of bread, like sourdough or Italian bread. However, using a rich, soft bread like challah or brioche will give you the best results for a tender and flavorful casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole on the same day instead of overnight?
Yes, you can prepare it on the same day by allowing the bread to soak for at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. However, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to fully develop and gives the bread time to absorb the liquid.
What can I serve with this French toast casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also serve it with breakfast sausage or bacon for a more complete meal.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy?
To avoid a soggy casserole, make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread, which better absorbs the custard mixture. Additionally, avoid over-soaking the bread and ensure that the casserole is baked until the top is golden and crispy.
Can I freeze the French toast casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I do if my topping isn’t crispy?
If the topping isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The butter in the topping should create a nice, crispy texture when fully baked.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound of day-old bread challah, brioche, or French
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/3 cup of brown sugar
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
Instructions
- Cut your bread into one-inch cubes and place them evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Gently toss the bread to make sure it's fully coated with the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
- For the topping, combine the remaining brown sugar with granulated sugar in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep this in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the fridge, remove the plastic wrap, and evenly sprinkle the sugar topping over the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
