Overnight French Toast Casserole
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Introduction
Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, sweet French toast, without having to lift a finger in the morning! Our Overnight French Toast Casserole recipe delivers just that. This incredible dish transforms day-old bread into a custardy, golden-brown breakfast delight with minimal effort on your part on a busy morning. Simply assemble the night before, pop it in the oven when you rise, and enjoy a stress-free, delicious start to your day. Perfect for holidays, brunch with friends, or a special weekend treat!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (13-16 ounces) day-old challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or additional milk)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the melted butter. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is well-saturated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Chill Overnight: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the casserole. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat and Bake: The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean (avoiding the topping).
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with fresh berries if desired.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Best Bread Choice: Day-old challah, brioche, or French bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy. Avoid fresh, soft sandwich bread.
- Don't Skip the Chill Time: The overnight chill is crucial for the bread to fully absorb the egg custard, resulting in a perfectly custardy texture throughout.
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the streusel topping for added crunch, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
- Make Ahead (Beyond Overnight): This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Just ensure it's tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, it's wonderful with a dollop of whipped cream, a side of crispy bacon, or a fruit salad.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 350mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use frozen bread? A: Yes, you can use frozen bread. Simply thaw it completely and let it sit out for a day to become slightly stale before cutting it into cubes.
- Q: How do I know when the casserole is done? A: The casserole is done when it's puffed, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center (avoiding the topping) comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Q: Can I make this dairy-free? A: While the texture will be slightly different, you can experiment with dairy-free milk and cream substitutes (like almond milk and coconut cream) and a dairy-free butter alternative for the topping.
- Q: How long do leftovers last? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.