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Easy Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Berry Compote

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A simple and delicious make-ahead French toast casserole soaked overnight in a rich custard and baked to perfection, served with a fresh berry compote. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah, day-old preferred)
  • 6 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half (dairy-free milk optional)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries; fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup or honey, fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Cut the loaf into 1-inch thick slices and arrange evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently to soak all pieces. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  5. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set but slightly jiggly.
  6. While baking, prepare the berry compote by combining berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries break down and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
  7. If thicker compote is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  8. Let casserole cool 5 minutes before serving. Spoon warm berry compote over portions and add optional toppings like powdered sugar or fresh mint.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah bread for best soaking without falling apart. Room temperature eggs and milk improve custard texture. Cover edges with foil if browning too fast. The casserole can be doubled or halved with adjusted baking time. For a crispier top, broil 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Berry compote can be made a day ahead and reheated gently. Vegan and gluten-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, berry compote, brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-make-ahead-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe-with-berry-compote/