This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a cozy breakfast that you can prepare the night before! It’s filled with fluffy bread, sweet cinnamon, and creamy egg mixture, all baked to perfection.
It’s perfect for lazy weekends or when you have guests staying over. Just pop it in the oven, and your home fills with yummy smells. I love serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: A good French bread is crucial for texture. If you can’t find French bread, use challah or brioche for a sweeter, richer flavor. I prefer using day-old bread because it soaks up the custard mixture better without getting mushy.
Eggs: Large eggs provide structure and richness. For a lighter version, you could try using egg substitutes or egg whites. However, this may alter the creaminess of the final dish.
Milk and Half-and-Half: Whole milk gives a creamier result while half-and-half adds richness. If you’re looking for lighter options, 1% milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat can work, but the texture may be less rich.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dish nicely. If you want a healthier option, consider using honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but adjust the quantity as they tend to be sweeter.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are great for warmth. Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a twist. I like using fresh spices for the best flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Bread is Perfectly Soaked for Overnight French Toast?
The soaking time is key for the best texture in your casserole. To ensure all the bread cubes soak in the custard, make sure you coat them well. Press down gently after combining the bread with the egg mixture to eliminate any dry spots.
- Once mixed, let it sit for a few minutes before transferring it to the baking dish. You want to make sure the custard has absorbed into the bread as much as possible.
- Covering the dish and refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb, creating a custardy interior.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 12-16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving (Optional):
- Additional ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 20 minutes to prepare the night before and then needs chilling time in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The next morning, it will take about 1 hour to bake. So plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes of total active time across two days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Custard:
In a large bowl, crack the 8 eggs and whisk them together. Then add in the 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of half-and-half, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything until it’s well combined and smooth. This mixture is your custard base.
2. Adding the Bread:
Now, gently fold your cubed French bread into the custard mixture. Use a spatula to make sure all the bread pieces are coated in that yummy egg mixture. This will help the bread soak up all the flavors and become soft and delicious!
3. Preparing for Refrigeration:
Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Pour the bread mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with your spatula. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with some additional cinnamon and sugar if you like. Drizzle this buttery goodness over the top of the bread mixture!
4. Chilling Overnight:
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight, or at least for 4 hours. This allows the bread to soak up the custard really well.
5. Baking the Casserole:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After about 10 minutes of oven preheating, take your casserole out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Now, it’s ready for baking!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the center to be set—check with a toothpick if you’re unsure! Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Enjoy your warm and cozy breakfast treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread gives a nice texture, you can use other breads like challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale or toasted to help it absorb all that delicious custard mixture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute gluten-free bread for the French bread in this recipe. Just check the label to ensure your bread is truly gluten-free, and keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free breads may cook a bit differently.
Is It Possible to Reduce the Sugar in This Casserole?
Definitely! You can reduce the sugar by half or even leave it out completely if you prefer a less sweet dish. Consider adding fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup when serving for extra sweetness if desired.
