Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy make-ahead breakfast dish featuring thick slices of French bread soaked overnight in a rich custard mixture and topped with a sweet, buttery cinnamon topping. Perfect for serving a crowd, it bakes to golden, puffed perfection, making breakfast hassle-free and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Topping
- 1 ½ sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish thoroughly. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them neatly in rows in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring the bread is fully coated.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread slices to thoroughly soak up the custard mixture for a flavorful and tender result.
- Preheat Oven and Flip Bread: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and carefully flip each bread slice to ensure even soaking on both sides.
- Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, optional light corn syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well to form a spreadable topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread slices.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm, making it an inviting and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old French bread or Texas toast as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- The optional corn syrup in the topping helps create a glossy finish but can be omitted if preferred.
- You can add fresh berries or nuts on top before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to regain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
