Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Thick slices of French bread are soaked overnight in a rich blend of eggs, half-and-half, milk, and warm spices, then baked to golden perfection with a buttery, cinnamon-brown sugar topping. The result is a creamy, custardy, and sweet casserole that’s incredibly easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (or thick Texas toast), cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened (12 Tbsp)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Slice and arrange bread: Slice the French bread into approximately 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish in overlapping rows, ensuring complete coverage of the base. Set aside.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure to spoon the liquid between all layers so each slice is well submerged. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate it overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Preheat the oven: The following day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, carefully turn each piece of bread over in the casserole to ensure even coating with the custard.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup (if using), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well blended into a crumbly, buttery topping.
- Apply the topping and bake: Sprinkle the brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the soaked bread in the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- For a richer custard, you can substitute half and half with heavy cream.
- Make sure to use a sturdy bread like French bread or Texas toast to prevent sogginess.
- Optional: Add a handful of fresh or dried berries for added flavor and texture.
- Can be reheated in the oven or microwave for quick leftovers.
- The light corn syrup in the topping is optional but adds a nice shine and helps prevent crystallization of sugar.
