A make-ahead breakfast classic that’s fluffy, buttery, and baked to golden perfection.
???? Description
Warm, cozy, and full of comforting flavor — this Overnight French Toast Casserole is your new favorite way to start the morning. Think thick cubes of bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked until perfectly golden with a soft, custardy center and a crisp, caramelized topping. And the best part? It’s prepped the night before, so you can just wake up, bake, and enjoy!
Perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekends, this recipe feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a side of fruit, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
???? Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10–12 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
???? Instructions
1. Prepare the Casserole Base (Night Before)
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Add the cubed bread evenly into the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down slightly so all cubes soak it up.
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
2. Make the Crumb Topping
- In a bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight separately.
3. Bake (Morning Of)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole and topping from the fridge while the oven preheats.
- Crumble the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. For a softer texture, bake closer to 45 minutes; for crispier edges, go up to 55 minutes.
4. Serve
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
???? Tips & Tricks
- Bread matters: Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F to dry them out.
- Make it fruity: Add fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas between the bread layers.
- Gluten-free?: Use gluten-free bread and flour for an allergy-friendly version.
- Want extra sweetness?: Add a drizzle of caramel or serve with sweetened cream cheese on the side.
???? Bonus Ideas From Me
???? Holiday Version
Add ½ teaspoon of allspice and top with dried cranberries and pecans. Serve with a drizzle of maple glaze or cream cheese icing for a holiday brunch winner.
???? Chocolate Lover’s Twist
Sprinkle chocolate chips between the bread layers and top with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
???? How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings.
???? Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – about 1/12th of the casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
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