Overnight French Toast Casserole

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Weekends are for sleeping in and treating yourself, right? But honestly, nobody wants to spend all morning in the kitchen. That’s where this Overnight French Toast Casserole comes in. It’s the ultimate lazy brunch—easy, cozy, and just a little bit fancy. Trust me, your family will ask for it again and again.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s be real: French toast is amazing, but standing over the stove flipping slices gets old fast. This casserole takes everything you love about French toast, cranks it up a notch, and lets you do all the work ahead of time. It’s just smart.

Here’s why this one hits the spot:

Make-Ahead Magic: You throw it together the night before, then pop it in the oven when you wake up. Breakfast, basically done.
Great for Groups: Whether it’s a holiday, a family get-together, or just a sleepy Sunday, this feeds a crowd with zero stress.
Totally Customizable: Swap in your favorite bread, experiment with toppings, or adjust it for dietary needs—whatever works for you.
Seriously Delicious: You get that perfect combo—crispy on top, rich and custardy inside, packed with sweet flavor. The overnight soak works wonders. If you’re into French toast, you’ve got to try this casserole.

Ingredients Breakdown

french toast casserole ingredients — French toast casserole ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy overnight French toast casserole:

Bread: Grab a loaf of challah, brioche, or French bread—about a pound (450g) should do it. Slice it up into big, chunky cubes, about an inch each. I’m always partial to challah. It’s got that soft, slightly sweet, eggy thing going on, and it soaks up the custard like a dream. Don’t stress if you can’t find it though. Any sturdy bread works just fine.
Eggs: You’ll need 8 large eggs (about 400g). They’re the backbone here, making the custard rich and creamy.
Milk: Pour in 2 cups (480ml) of whole milk. Want something extra-indulgent? Swap in cream, or mix the two.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) gives the custard that lush, velvety finish.
Granulated Sugar: Half a cup (100g) brings just the right amount of sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Toss in a packed quarter cup (50g) for a little molasses depth.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (10ml) is all you need for that warm, cozy flavor.
Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon (3g) for that classic French toast vibe.
Salt: Just a pinch—about ¼ teaspoon (1.5g)—to keep the sweetness in check.
Toppings? Go wild. Berries, sliced almonds, pecans, maple syrup, and powdered sugar. Mix and match, or pile it all on.

Kitchen Tools Needed

9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for baking the casserole.
Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the custard ingredients.
Whisk: To ensure the custard is smooth and well combined.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Serrated Knife: For easily cubing the bread.
Aluminum Foil/Plastic Wrap: Essential for storing overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this simple French toast casserole:

Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures even soaking of the custard.
Whisk the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This creates the delicious custard base that will soak into the bread overnight.
Pour Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to saturate all the bread. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s submerged in the custard.
Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a wonderfully custardy interior.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly.
Bake: Uncover the baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The edges should be golden brown and the center slightly jiggly – that’s how you know it’s ready! Also, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Cool Briefly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Pro Tips for Success

Use Stale Bread: Stale bread soaks up the custard better and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by leaving it uncovered overnight or toasting it lightly in the oven.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: This is crucial for achieving that custardy texture. The longer the bread soaks, the better the result.
Evenly Distribute the Bread: Ensure the bread cubes are evenly distributed in the baking dish so that the custard soaks in uniformly.
Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the baking time as needed.
Top it Off: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings, such as streusel topping or a cream cheese glaze, for extra flavor and texture.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry casserole. The French toast casserole is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. This ensures a moist, custardy texture.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

This overnight French toast casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread. Make sure to find a gluten-free bread strong enough to hold when soaked for a long time.
Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for the milk and heavy cream.
Vegan: Use a vegan bread, substitute plant-based milk and cream, and use a vegan egg replacement.
Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a chocolatey treat.
Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
Berry Blast: Mix in fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is fantastic on its own, but even better with some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad is the perfect contrast to the rich casserole.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage: Add some savory protein to your brunch spread.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy and delicious option.
Mimosas or Sparkling Cider: Because no brunch is complete without a little something bubbly.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover French toast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Troubleshooting / FAQ

Why is my casserole soggy?

A soggy casserole can be caused by using fresh bread or not soaking it overnight. Make sure to use slightly stale bread and allow it to soak for at least 8 hours.

Can I freeze this French toast casserole?

Yes. You can freeze this French toast casserole before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

What kind of bread is best for French toast casserole?

Challah, brioche, or French bread are all excellent choices. Sturdy bread that can absorb the mixture without becoming too soggy is best.

How do I know when the overnight French toast casserole is done?

The edges should be golden brown and the center mostly set, but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of easy mornings and delicious memories. With just a few simple steps the night before, you can wake up to a warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing breakfast. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked french toast casserole wafting through the house on a weekend morning. That smell alone is enough to start the day off perfectly! Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Looking for other delicious breakfast options? Try these:

Cinnamon Rolls: Classic, sweet, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Blueberry Muffins: Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.