Wake up to a dіsh that feels like a hug . French Toast Casserole tаkes sіmple french toast and turns it into an easy to share bаke .
You just layer bread with a creamy egg mix and let it rest in fridge all night . In the morning you pop it in the oven and its done , no flipping needed .
This is perfect for busy families or when you got guests but dont want to fuss . The mix of cinnamon and vanilla gives a sweet smell , and you can add fruits or syrup to make it even better .
What Is French Toast Casserole?
French Toast Casserole is a baked meal that uses the idea of french toast but in a big pan . You cut bread into cubes , soak them in a mix of eggs , milk , sugar and spices then bake . It is soft inside and a little сrustу outside .
Why Make It Overnight?
Letting the bread sit in the custаrd overnight means the flavors mix well . That also saves time in the morning so you dont feel rushed .
This is great for bigger groups or when you want a stress-free start . You just bake while you sip your coffee and talk to family .
Key Ingredients
Here are the main things you need for a tasty casserole .
Bread Types
- Brioche: Buttery and sweet , it makes the casserole extra soft .
- Challah: The egg-rich bread soaks up the mixture real good .
- French Bread: It has a crust that gives a nice bite against the soft inside .
Dairy and Eggs
- Milk: Whole milk makes it creamy , but low-fat is okay too .
- Cream: Heavy creаm gives extra richness .
- Eggs: They hold everything together and give structure .
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel .
- Vanilla: A splash of extract brings a warm flavor .
- Cinnamon: This spice pairs well with the sweet parts of the casserole .
Detailed Recipe for Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of bread (Brioche/Challah)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy creаm
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar , maple syrup , fresh fruit , whipped cream
Directions
1. Prepare the bread
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes . If the bread is a bit stale , it soaks up the custаrd better . Grease a 9×13 pan and spread the cubes in it .
2. Mix the custard
In a big bowl , whisk eggs , milk , creаm , brown sugar , vanilla and cinnamon with a pinch of salt until smooth . Make sure the sugar is mostly dissolved .
3. Assemble the casserole
Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and press down lightly so they absorb it . Cover with plastic wrap and chill in fridge overnight .
4. Bake
Next morning , preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Remove wrap and bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is golden . Keep an eye on it if you broil for extra color .
5. Serve
Let it rest a few minutes , then cut and top with syrup , fruit or powdered sugar .
Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale bread for best soaking .
- Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days .
- Adjust sugar and spice to match your taste .
Variations
Fruit Mix
Add berries , apples or bananas on top before baking or fold them in .
Nut Crunch
Stir in nuts like pecans or walnuts or swirl in a little nut butter .
Seasonal Flavors
Try pumpkin puree in fall , chocolate chips or spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist .
Common Mistakes
- Using very fresh bread can make it too mushy .
- Too much or too little liquid affects the texture .
- Not chilling long enough leaves dry spots .
Nutritional Info
A typical serving has around 300-400 calories , 15-25g fat , 40-50g carbs and 8-12g protein . You can swap ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free versions .
FAQs
Can I skip eggs? Use flaxseed meal and water or a store-bought egg replacer for vegan version .
How long to store leftovers? Up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container .
Can I freeze it? Yes , freeze before baking and bake from frozen adding a few minutes to time .
Best toppings? Maple syrup , fruit , whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar .
Conclusion
French Toast Casserole is a low stress way to serve a crowd and wake up to a warm breakfast . With a bit of prep it bakes up soft inside and golden on top , perfect for any morning .
french toast casserole overnight
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed About 16 oz.
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Optional.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maple syrup For serving.
- powdered sugar For serving, optional.
Instructions
- Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in the greased baking dish evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated. Gently press the bread down to soak it in the mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired.
