Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy breakfast recipe that combines soft bread soaked in a rich custard mixture with a sweet, crumbly topping. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it's perfect for family gatherings or a weekend brunch, delivering a comforting and flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 pound loaf of brioche, challah, french bread, or white bread, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks and evenly place them in the prepared pan.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently toss to ensure all bread pieces are coated, then spread into an even layer in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the bread soak thoroughly.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover. Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the soaked bread. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of homemade syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or any preferred toppings.
Notes
- Using day-old bread allows it to soak up the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- For a healthier version, substitute whole milk for milk and reduce the amount of butter in the topping.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for added texture.
- Make sure to refrigerate overnight to ensure the bread absorbs all the flavors and custard fully.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes if made ahead of time.
