why make this recipe
Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole is a perfect dish for breakfast or brunch. It allows you to prepare everything the night before, saving you time in the morning. This casserole is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. The soft, custardy inside pairs perfectly with a crispy top, making it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and holidays. Plus, it can be served with sweet maple syrup and fresh fruit, giving everyone the option to customize their plate.
how to make Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread (French or challah)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh fruit (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Tear the bread into pieces and place them in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure to soak all the pieces.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and set.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit as desired.
how to serve Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole
Serve the Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole warm, drizzled with maple syrup. You can also add fresh fruit like berries, banana slices, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. This dish is great for special occasions, but it’s simple enough to enjoy on a casual weekend morning.
how to store Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, you can store the casserole in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven.
tips to make Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Use day-old bread for better texture. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better.
- Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to enhance the flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the egg mixture, depending on your taste.
variation
You can customize the flavors by adding different spices, like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice, for a seasonal twist. You might also try using brioche or whole grain bread for different textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this casserole?
Yes, you can use different types of bread. French, challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread work well.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to reheat them properly before serving.
Can I freeze Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it well, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.
Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make breakfast casserole that can be prepared the night before, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (French or challah)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh fruit (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Tear the bread into pieces and place them in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure to soak all the pieces.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and set.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit as desired.
Notes
Use day-old bread for better texture. Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the egg mixture based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: French toast, breakfast casserole, overnight, brunch, easy recipe