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Easy Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe for Perfect Breakfast

easy overnight baked french toast casserole - featured image

A comforting and effortless breakfast casserole that soaks overnight for a rich custardy texture with a golden crust. Perfect for busy mornings and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Maple syrup or fresh berries for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
  2. Cube the brioche into 1-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold to coat all pieces. Let sit for about 10 minutes to soak.
  5. Transfer the soaked bread and custard mixture into the greased baking dish, pressing down lightly to compact evenly.
  6. Dot the top with the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter in small pats.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup or fresh berries.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best soaking results. Room temperature eggs help prevent lumps. Heavy cream adds richness and silky texture. Cover and refrigerate overnight for best custard infusion. Tent with foil if top browns too fast. Can substitute dairy-free milk and butter for dairy-free version. Gluten-free bread can be used but texture may vary.

Nutrition

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