If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing brunch recipe, look no further than this Best Overnight French Toast Casserole! Picture this: custardy, cinnamon-soaked bread cubes crowned with a buttery, brown sugar streusel—all ready to bake and enjoy straight from the fridge. It’s your answer to lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave a little extra comfort. Whether you’re making it for your family, holiday guests, or just yourself (no judgment!), this casserole promises all the indulgence of classic French toast without standing over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just pantry and fridge staples, each playing a vital role in the harmony of caramelized edges, fluffy interiors, and aromatic warmth. Every ingredient in the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole contributes to either its irresistible flavor or its perfect, custardy texture.
- Brioche or French Bread: Rich, sturdy bread like brioche soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- Large Eggs: These bring structure and that classic scrambled custard flavor to your casserole.
- Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and body to the custard base.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luscious richness, making every bite velvety smooth.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the spices.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a touch of caramel flavor, especially important in the topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth that’s essential for that classic bakery aroma.
- Ground Cinnamon: Delivers that unmistakable French toast essence.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch boosts the casserole’s aroma and flavor complexity.
- Salt: A flourish of salt sharpens all the sweet flavors and keeps the casserole from tasting flat.
- All-Purpose Flour (Topping): Helps create a crumbly, cookie-like streusel crown.
- Unsalted Butter (Topping): Offers rich flavor and creates irresistible pockets of meltiness in the topping.
How to Make Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Bread
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray; this makes serving a breeze and keeps every golden bite intact. Cut your brioche or French bread into hearty 1-inch cubes and spread them out in an even layer. The bread is the casserole’s canvas, so don’t be shy about packing it in snugly!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk up the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until it’s silky smooth and speckled with spice. This luxurious custard is what transforms this into the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole, making every crumb perfectly rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a generous soak. Use gentle pressure to press the bread into the mixture, helping it absorb all that creamy goodness. Then, cover your dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight (or for at least 6 hours)—this step is key for that classic, pudding-like French toast texture.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
Ready to bake? Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until you have coarse, sandy crumbs. Sprinkle this wholesome mixture evenly over the chilled casserole for that irresistible crunchy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the center feels just set. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure magic. Let it cool for a few minutes—you want it warm but sliceable—then prepare to wow everyone at your table with the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole!
How to Serve Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
This casserole shines with classic toppings like a generous pour of warm maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a burst of freshness, pile on fresh berries or slices of banana just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of toasted nuts adds a little something extra if you’re feeling festive.
Side Dishes
Complete your brunch spread with savory sides such as crispy bacon, sausage, or a simple veggie frittata for balance. Fresh fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or a pitcher of mimosas also pair deliciously with the sweet, cozy flavors of the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole!
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to serve this casserole as a plain slab! Try cutting it into neat squares, serving individual portions in ramekins, or even layering it in parfait glasses with berries and cream. For holidays, use cookie cutters to make fun shapes—kids and adults both adore the little surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer pieces to an airtight container. The casserole will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready for a quick breakfast or midnight snack.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap slices individually or the whole dish in plastic wrap plus foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so it stays moist and flavorful.
Reheating
Warm portions in the microwave for a quick fix, or reheat covered in a 325°F oven until hot throughout. If you want to restore a bit of crunch, uncover for the last few minutes. The Best Overnight French Toast Casserole tastes just as lovely the next day—or even the day after that!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While brioche and French bread are fabulous options, challah, cinnamon swirl bread, or even sturdy sourdough make the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole wonderfully unique. Avoid very soft, pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it can get too soggy.
Can I assemble this ahead and bake later?
Yes, that’s the beauty of this recipe! Assemble everything the night before, keep it tightly covered in the fridge, and simply add the streusel topping and bake in the morning. You can even prep it up to 24 hours ahead, making your brunch extra easy.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free bread for the base, and substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the topping. The rest of the ingredients in the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on flavor or texture.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No heavy cream? No problem! Swap in more whole milk or even half-and-half. While heavy cream gives extra richness, the casserole will still bake up deliciously soft and creamy with milk alone.
Can I add mix-ins to the casserole?
Definitely! Try fresh or frozen berries, chocolate chips, or even diced apples layered with the bread before soaking for extra texture and flavor. Pecans or walnuts in the topping also add a wonderful crunch to the final Best Overnight French Toast Casserole.
Final Thoughts
If ever a breakfast casserole could win hearts at first bite, it’s this one. I hope you’ll give the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole a try and make it a new tradition in your kitchen. It’s just the right blend of indulgence, ease, and pure comfort—guaranteed to spark smiles and second helpings every time!
Print
Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Best Overnight French Toast Casserole that is perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or holiday brunch. With a rich custard-soaked bread topped with a sweet, buttery crumble, it’s a breakfast treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the French Toast: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes in the dish.
- Mix Custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, spices, and salt. Pour over bread.
- Chill Overnight: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
- Make Topping: Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle topping over bread. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
- For a richer flavor, use challah or cinnamon swirl bread.
- Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
