Growing up, Sunday mornings were always the best. My mom would wake up extra early, put on a pot of fresh coffee, and start preparing her signature Overnight French Toast Casserole. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla would slowly fill the house, instantly putting a smile on everyone’s face. There’s just something about this dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning.

As I got older and started cooking on my own, I realized just how special and versatile this Overnight French Toast Casserole really is. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holiday gatherings, weekend brunch with friends, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. And let me tell you, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your new go-to.

Why This Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Overnight French Toast Casserole

The secret to this Overnight French Toast Casserole’s unbeatable flavor and texture lies in the overnight soak. By allowing the bread to soak up the rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, cream, and spices, you end up with a casserole that’s soft and custardy on the inside, yet perfectly golden and crisp on top. The overnight resting period also means you can do all the prep work the night before, making for an effortless and indulgent breakfast come morning.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this Overnight French Toast Casserole masterpiece, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:

  • 12 slices of day-old or stale bread, cubed – Using slightly stale bread is key, as it’ll soak up the custard mixture beautifully without getting overly soggy.
  • 8 large eggs – The eggs are what give this casserole its rich, custardy texture.
  • 2 cups whole milk – Whole milk provides the perfect balance of creaminess and richness.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream – The heavy cream adds an extra layer of decadence and velvety smoothness.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness to complement the other flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon is an absolute must for classic French toast flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – A touch of salt helps balance the sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances all the other flavors and gives the dish its signature aroma.

Step-by-Step Overnight French Toast Casserole Instructions

Preparing Your Overnight French Toast Casserole

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 50 minutes, this Overnight French Toast Casserole is a breeze to put together. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, and a few basic kitchen tools.

1- Start by cutting the bread into 1-inch cubes and placing them in the baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla until well combined.

2- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the pieces are coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.

3- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

4- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are puffed up and the center has a soft, custardy texture.

5- Serve the Overnight French Toast Casserole warm, either on its own or with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

6- Enjoy this indulgent breakfast or brunch dish, which serves 12 people comfortably. The perfect way to start the day!

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Use day-old or stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become soggy, while stale bread will soak up the custard mixture beautifully.
  2. Be sure to grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make for easy serving.
  3. For an extra-rich and creamy casserole, use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream instead of all milk.
  4. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a streusel topping all make delicious additions.
  5. If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and bake it off the next morning.

Serving and Storing Your Overnight French Toast Casserole

Perfect Pairings for Overnight French Toast Casserole

This Overnight French Toast Casserole, which serves 12, is the perfect centerpiece for any special brunch or holiday breakfast. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. Some of our favorite accompaniments include:

  • Fresh fruit salad or berries
  • Crispy bacon or sausage links
  • A green salad with a light vinaigrette
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice or mimosas
  • Hot coffee or tea

No matter how you choose to serve it, this casserole is sure to be the star of the show.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Overnight French Toast Casserole is that it can be made in advance, making your morning prep a breeze.

To store leftovers, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, portion out individual servings and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the entire casserole or individual slices. To freeze, cover tightly with foil or place slices in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Overnight French Toast Casserole

Creative Overnight French Toast Casserole Variations

While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this Overnight French Toast Casserole:

  • Swap in different breads, like challah, brioche, or sourdough, for unique flavors.
  • Add fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra deliciousness.
  • Mix in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture.
  • Top with a streusel or crumble topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
  • Drizzle the baked casserole with a maple or caramel sauce for a sweet finishing touch.

Making Overnight French Toast Casserole Diet-Friendly

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Overnight French Toast Casserole to suit your needs:

  • Use gluten-free bread to make it gluten-free.
  • Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Replace the granulated sugar with a calorie-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia for a low-carb option.
  • Omit the bread and replace it with cubed zucchini or cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly casserole.

No matter how you choose to customize it, this Overnight French Toast Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular bread instead of day-old or stale bread?
A: While you can use fresh bread, it’s best to use day-old or stale bread in this recipe. The stale bread will soak up the custard mixture better, resulting in a firmer, less soggy casserole.

Q: How long does it take to bake the Overnight French Toast Casserole?
A: The total baking time for this recipe is 50 minutes. Be sure to preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is that you can assemble it the night before and bake it off in the morning. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How many servings does this Overnight French Toast Casserole make?
A: This recipe serves 12 people comfortably. If you’re feeding a smaller crowd, you can easily halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 inch baking dish.

Q: What should I do if the top of the casserole is getting too brown before the center is set?
A: If you notice the top of the casserole browning too quickly, simply cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This will allow the center to finish cooking without the top burning.

Conclusion

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish – it’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The rich, custardy interior and perfectly crisp top make it an indulgent treat that’s sure to become a new staple in your household.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, prepare this delightful casserole the night before, and wake up to the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new go-to for special occasions and cozy weekend mornings. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out!