There’s something truly magical about waking up to the aroma of freshly baked Overnight French Toast Casserole wafting through the kitchen. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite brunch dishes because it’s so incredibly easy to prepare! You just mix everything up the night before, and when morning arrives, all you have to do is pop it in the oven. The combination of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard, with hints of vanilla and warm cinnamon, creates a delightful texture that’s both soft and slightly crisp on top. I remember the first time I made this for my family; we all gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as we dug in with forks ready. It’s perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings or holiday gatherings when you want something special without all the fuss. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (I love using a French or challah bread for extra flavor)
- 8 large eggs (make sure they’re fresh for the best results)
- 2 cups whole milk (you can also use 2% if that’s what you have on hand)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that rich, creamy texture that makes this casserole extra special)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your taste, but I think this is just right!)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (don’t skimp on this; it really elevates the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the warm spice really complements the sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance out all the flavors)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (this is for drizzling on top when serving, yum!)
How to Prepare Overnight French Toast Casserole
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this dreamy Overnight French Toast Casserole! I promise, it’s super simple and totally worth the little bit of prep time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious brunch dish that will impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good grease with butter or cooking spray. This ensures that your casserole comes out nice and easy later on.
- Next, take your cubed bread and scatter it evenly in the dish. Make sure it’s all spread out; you want each piece to soak up that dreamy custard!
- Now, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Get it nice and frothy—this is where all the magic happens!
- Pour that glorious egg mixture over the bread, making sure to coat every single piece. You want them all soaked and happy—don’t leave any bread behind!
- Once everything is combined, cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is crucial because it allows the bread to absorb all those flavors and get super soft.
- When morning rolls around, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s ready, take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the oven heats up.
- Bake it uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffy. You’ll know it’s done when you see that lovely crispy top! Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. I can’t wait for you to try this—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare—just mix and refrigerate overnight!
- The combination of flavors and textures is out of this world; it’s fluffy and custardy with a touch of crispiness on top.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd—just slice and serve, making it ideal for brunches or family gatherings.
- You can customize it with your favorite add-ins, like fruits or nuts, to make it your own.
- It fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma as it bakes, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Overnight French Toast Casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few of my favorite tips. First, choose the right bread; a good quality French or challah bread works wonders because they soak up the custard beautifully. Stale bread is actually best for this recipe, as it’ll absorb more of the egg mixture without falling apart.
For storing leftovers (if you have any!), just cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, just warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
And don’t be afraid to get creative! Add in some fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. These little enhancements can elevate the dish even more. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in this delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 10g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, it’s a satisfying and indulgent way to start your day, especially when shared with loved ones!
FAQ About Overnight French Toast Casserole
How do I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure it’s covered well to keep it fresh!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe. You can prepare it the night before, let it soak overnight, and then just pop it in the oven the next morning. It’s perfect for brunch or special occasions!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute the heavy cream with an additional cup of whole milk or even half-and-half. It’ll still turn out deliciously creamy!
Can I add fruits or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even bananas. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, too. Just make sure to distribute them evenly so every bite is packed with flavor!
What type of bread works best?
For the best results, I love using French bread or challah since they absorb the custard beautifully. You can also use brioche or even stale bread; the staler, the better, as it soaks up more liquid without falling apart.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before freezing. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as usual.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Overnight French Toast Casserole, the right sides and beverages can really elevate the experience! I love serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad—think juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, and a sprinkle of mint for a refreshing touch. It adds a nice balance to the richness of the casserole.
If you’re a yogurt lover, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side is perfect for adding a tangy contrast. You could even drizzle a little honey over it for extra sweetness! And let’s not forget the beverages—brewing a pot of strong coffee or a cozy chai latte makes for a wonderful pairing. For those who prefer something lighter, fresh-squeezed orange juice adds a lovely citrusy brightness to your brunch table. Trust me, these accompaniments will make your meal feel extra special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Overnight French Toast Casserole is super simple! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), just cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, so you can enjoy it again without any hassle.
When it’s time to indulge again, you can reheat it in a couple of ways. For the best results, pop individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Just warm it up in 30-second intervals, checking often to make sure it doesn’t get too hot. Enjoy those delightful flavors all over again!
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole: 5 Scrumptious Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy overnight French toast casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed bread in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure all pieces are soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Can add fruits or nuts for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Overnight French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Casserole, Easy French Toast