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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe for Perfect Make-Ahead Mornings

easy overnight french toast casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make overnight French toast casserole that soaks bread in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, perfect for busy mornings and make-ahead breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed brioche or challah bread (about 1 loaf, day-old is best)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups of brioche or challah bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup if using.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  4. Refrigerate the covered dish for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and drizzle 2 tablespoons melted butter evenly over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Notes

Use day-old bread to avoid mushy texture. Whisk eggs gently to prevent curdling. If top browns too fast, tent with foil. Can prepare in the morning and bake immediately by adding 10-15 minutes to baking time. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond/oat/coconut milk and butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, cinnamon vanilla custard, easy breakfast casserole, brioche French toast bake