Description
This Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices. Topped with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon mixture and optional nuts, it bakes into a golden, custardy treat perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread (approx. 12 cups cubed, day-old preferred)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cut Bread: Cut the French bread into approximately 12 cups of cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional nutmeg until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Gently press the bread to ensure it soaks thoroughly in the custard.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Add Topping: Drizzle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread casserole. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top if using.
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and cooked through.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set before slicing.
- Serve: Serve warm topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Using day-old French bread helps the cubes soak up the custard better without turning mushy.
- The nutmeg and nuts are optional but add a nice touch of warmth and texture.
- Covering and refrigerating overnight enhances the flavors and ensures the bread soaks sufficiently.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to firm up and make slicing easier.
- Top with fresh fruit or syrup based on your preference for a personalized breakfast.
