Overnight French Toast Casserole
Make-ahead French toast casserole perfect for feeding a crowd at 285 calories per serving. Prep the night before and bake in the morning for effortless entertaining.
20m
12
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Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 lb) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Bread
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish, filling it completely.
- 2
Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- 3
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all bread is soaked. Scatter fresh berries on top.
- 4
Overnight Rest
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- 5
Prepare for Baking
Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and drizzle melted butter over the top, then sprinkle with brown sugar.
- 6
Bake the Casserole
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- 7
Rest and Serve
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup and additional fresh berries.
Chef's Tips
Use day-old bread for best texture absorption. Can be assembled up to 2 days ahead. Cover with foil if browning too quickly during baking.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this overnight french toast casserole
How long does it take to make Overnight French Toast Casserole?
This recipe takes 65 minutes total time, including 20 minutes prep time and 45 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Overnight French Toast Casserole recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Overnight French Toast Casserole recipe?
This recipe is rated as Medium difficulty level, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience.
Can I make substitutions in this Overnight French Toast Casserole recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this overnight french toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this overnight french toast casserole up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover overnight french toast casserole?
Store leftover overnight french toast casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with overnight french toast casserole?
This overnight french toast casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze overnight french toast casserole?
Yes, this overnight french toast casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.