Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole
The Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a gourmet breakfast with minimal morning effort. Ideal for holiday mornings or when hosting guests, this dish allows you to soak up precious moments with loved ones instead of spending all your time in the kitchen. The casserole is a harmonious blend of savory bread soaked in a rich, custard-like mixture, with a hint of sweetness and the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s then baked to perfection, yielding a dish with a soft, moist interior and a slightly crisp top layer.
Highlights
- Versatile Ingredients: The recipe is flexible, allowing you to use various types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even sourdough, and customize with your favorite spices or add-ins like nuts or fruit.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the casserole the night before and simply bake it in the morning, making your breakfast or brunch stress-free and delicious.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit your taste by experimenting with different types of milk or dairy alternatives, adding fruits or nuts, or even incorporating a layer of cream cheese for an extra decadent twist.
- Storing and Reheating: This casserole stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. You can keep it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh berries or sliced bananas also make a delightful addition.
- Sides: Pair with crispy bacon, sausages, or a fresh fruit salad to complete your breakfast spread.
Tips for Successful French Toast Casserole
- Bread Choice: For the best texture, use bread that’s a day or two old as it soaks up the egg mixture more effectively without becoming too soggy.
- Custard Mixture: Ensure the bread is thoroughly soaked in the egg mixture for a custard-like interior after baking.
- Baking: If you prefer a crisper top, consider broiling the casserole for a minute or two after baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your morning routine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to make an ordinary morning extraordinary, this recipe promises to deliver smiles and satisfaction to your breakfast table.
Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole
Wake up to a delightful treat with Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole! Simply prepare ahead for a hassle-free morning feast.
Equipment
- 9"x13" baking dish
- Large bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 sticks butter softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preparing the Baking Dish:
- Coat the entire inside of a 9"x13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
Arranging Bread Slices:
- Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish in rows, overlapping them. Set aside.
Mixing the Egg Mixture and Soaking the Bread:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring they are covered evenly. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices to ensure thorough coverage.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Preheating the Oven and Flipping Bread:
- The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Carefully flip each piece of bread over to ensure everything is coated with the mixture.
Making and Adding Topping:
- Combine all topping ingredients in a medium bowl and mix to combine.
- Spoon the topping on top of the prepared bread slices, spreading it evenly over the bread. Optionally, spread some of the mixture in between the slices to ensure complete coverage.
Baking:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes (no need to cover with foil) until puffed and lightly golden.
Notes
Since this is a French toast casserole, expect some parts of the slices to be soft while the tops have a more baked/crisp texture. If you prefer a more baked/crisp texture throughout, consider using a larger pan like a deep half sheet cake pan instead of packing the slices into a 9x13 pan. Alternatively, you can use two 9x13 pans.
Using sliced sourdough bread from the bakery is also a great option and can save time compared to cutting a loaf yourself.
Forgot to prepare the casserole the night before? No worries! Simply ensure that the slices are soaked thoroughly and proceed with the directions as usual.
So good. Thank you