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Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4 from 26 reviews

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings. Soft French bread slices soaked in a rich custard of eggs, half-and-half, milk, and warm spices are topped with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar topping. After refrigerating overnight, it’s baked until golden and puffed, creating a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for family gatherings or holiday brunches.

  • Total Time: 12 hours (includes overnight soaking)
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the French Toast Base

  • 1 loaf French bread (or thick Texas toast), sliced about 1-inch thick
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 Tbsp 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 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat the entire inside of a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Arrange the Bread: Slice the French bread into approximately 1-inch thick pieces. Place the slices in the prepared baking dish in rows, overlapping them slightly. Set aside.
  3. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Spoon some of the mixture between slices for full coverage. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight to let the bread soak and absorb the flavors.
  5. Preheat the Oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully flip each piece of bread to ensure both sides are evenly coated with the custard.
  6. Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup (if using), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well blended to create a spreadable topping.
  7. Add the Topping: Spoon and spread the topping evenly over the soaked bread slices, like icing a cake. For extra coverage and flavor, spread some topping mixture between the slices as well.
  8. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is puffed and lightly golden brown. The edges should be bubbly and the custard set.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best absorption and texture.
  • Light corn syrup in the topping is optional but helps achieve a glossy finish and deeper sweetness.
  • This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
  • Make sure to cover tightly with foil when refrigerating overnight to prevent drying.
  • Substitute gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe/