why make this recipe
Overnight French Toast Casserole is a fantastic dish for breakfast or brunch. It gives you all the delicious flavors of French toast in a simple, easy-to-make casserole. The best part? You prepare it the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is bake it! This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or any day when you want a special treat without a lot of fuss.
how to make Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 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
- Cinnamon Crunch 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
Directions:
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by coating the entire inside with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in rows in the baking dish, overlapping the slices.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 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 evenly covered. Spoon some mixture in between the slices.
- Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Flip each piece of bread to ensure it is well coated.
- For the topping, combine all topping ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
- Spoon the topping over the bread slices and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the casserole is puffed and lightly golden.
how to serve Overnight French Toast Casserole
Serve the casserole warm, straight from the oven. You can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness. Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries can add a lovely touch on top.
how to store Overnight French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
tips to make Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. It helps the bread soak in the egg mixture better.
- Feel free to add toppings like nuts or fruit before baking for extra flavor.
- Adjust the spices to your taste; add more cinnamon or nutmeg if you like.
variation
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. You can also add chocolate chips or berries for a fruity twist.
FAQs
Can I prepare Overnight French Toast Casserole without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use an egg replacer for a vegan version.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
Bake it for 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees F until it’s puffed and golden brown.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake it directly from the freezer when you’re ready, adding some extra time to the baking process.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- ½ cup milk
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Crunch Topping
- 1 ½ sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare a 9x13 baking dish by coating the entire inside with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
- Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in rows in the baking dish, overlapping the slices.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 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 evenly covered. Spoon some mixture in between the slices.
- Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Baking
- The next day, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Flip each piece of bread to ensure it is well coated.
- For the topping, combine all topping ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
- Spoon the topping over the bread slices and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the casserole is puffed and lightly golden.