Overnight French Toast Casserole
An indulgent breakfast dish combining the rich, buttery flavors of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole, perfect for family gatherings and holiday brunches.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 375kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast The foundation of your casserole, providing a soft, fluffy texture.
- 8 pieces eggs The star ingredient that binds everything together and gives richness.
- 2 cups half and half For creaminess that takes this dish to the next level.
- 1/2 cup milk For balance in flavor and texture.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar To enhance the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract To add warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon A cozy spice that brings everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg To add a subtle aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt For a touch of contrast against the sweetness.
Crunch Topping
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened Essential for making that irresistible crunchy topping.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed For a deep caramel flavor in the topping.
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional) A sweet touch that adds viscosity.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon To enhance the crunch topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg For additional warm spice flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by coating a 9'x13' baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking; set it aside.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices in rows, overlapping slightly, in your prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Spoon some of the mixture between the slices so they absorb the custard completely. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it overnight.
Baking
- In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Carefully flip each slice of bread to ensure both sides are well-coated in the egg mixture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, corn syrup (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Spoon the cinnamon crunch topping over the bread slices, spreading evenly across the top. Don’t hesitate to tuck some topping between the slices, if you like.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.
- Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this mouth-watering feast!
Notes
To make it even more indulgent, consider adding a splash of extra vanilla or a dash of almond extract for more depth of flavor. Feel free to include fresh berries or chopped nuts for an added textural contrast. Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.