Prepare this easy overnight French toast casserole the night before for a stress-free morning. This recipe is perfect for holidays or a special brunch.
Author:Amaya Sato
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:8 hours 50 minutes
Yield:8-10 servings
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf (13 to 16 ounces) French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all bread is saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).
The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is set. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, use day-old bread as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
You can add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.