Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole: The Perfect Weekend Brunch
French toast casserole is a brunch staple for a reason: it’s incredibly delicious, relatively easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe takes all the best parts of classic French toast and turns it into a convenient, bake-and-serve casserole that can even be prepared the night before. Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning to the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, knowing that a warm and comforting breakfast is just a bake away. This Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply a weekend treat.
**Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole**
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients. The hands-on time is short, making it ideal for busy mornings.
* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld together and making your morning even easier.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** It’s perfect for feeding a large group, whether it’s a family gathering or a brunch party.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different fruits, nuts, or spices.
* **Delicious and Comforting:** The combination of sweet custard, soft bread, and warm spices is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
* **Bread:** The type of bread you use is crucial for the texture of the casserole. We recommend using a sturdy bread that can soak up the custard without becoming mushy. Some great options include:
* **Brioche:** Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that adds a luxurious flavor and texture to the casserole.
* **Challah:** Challah is a slightly sweet, eggy bread that works perfectly in French toast.
* **French Bread:** A classic French baguette, slightly stale, is another good option.
* **Texas Toast:** Thick-cut Texas toast provides a substantial base for the casserole.
* **Cinnamon Raisin Bread:** For an extra layer of flavor, try using cinnamon raisin bread (reduce added sugar accordingly).
* **Eggs:** Eggs are the foundation of the custard, providing richness and structure.
* **Milk:** Whole milk or a combination of milk and cream will create a creamy and decadent custard. You can also use non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk, but be aware that they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
* **Heavy Cream (Optional):** Adding heavy cream will make the casserole even richer and more decadent.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the custard. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the sweetness of your bread.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the custard and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Cinnamon:** Cinnamon is a classic spice that complements the flavors of the bread and custard. You can also add other spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
* **Butter:** Melted butter is used to grease the baking dish and to drizzle over the casserole before baking, adding richness and flavor.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* **Fresh Fruit:** Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or diced apples are delicious additions.
* **Nuts:** Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** For a decadent treat, add chocolate chips to the casserole.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the casserole before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
* **Maple Syrup:** For serving.
**Equipment You’ll Need**
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** This is the standard size for a French toast casserole.
* **Large Bowl:** For whisking together the custard ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For thoroughly combining the custard ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For cutting the bread.
* **Spatula:** For gently folding the bread into the custard.
* **Aluminum Foil (Optional):** To cover the casserole during baking if it starts to brown too quickly.
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
**Preparation (Night Before or Morning Of):**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use a serrated knife for this. Slightly stale bread works best, as it will absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
2. **Grease the Baking Dish:** Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
3. **Arrange the Bread:** Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
**Make the Custard:**
1. **Whisk Eggs and Sugar:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and frothy. This will help to create a smooth and creamy custard.
2. **Add Milk, Cream, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Salt:** Add the milk (and cream, if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the egg mixture. Whisk until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of cinnamon.
3. **Pour Custard over Bread:** Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
4. **Gently Press Bread:** Use a spatula to gently press the bread cubes down into the custard, ensuring that all the bread is submerged. This will help the bread to absorb the custard evenly.
5. **Optional Add-ins:** If desired, sprinkle fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips over the casserole at this point.
6. **Cover and Refrigerate (Optional):** If making the casserole ahead of time, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together.
**Baking:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Bake Covered (Optional):** If the casserole has been refrigerated, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. This will help it to bake more evenly. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
3. **Bake Uncovered:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The top should be puffed and golden brown.
4. **Cool Slightly:** Let the casserole cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the custard to set further and make it easier to cut and serve.
**Serving:**
1. **Slice and Serve:** Cut the French toast casserole into squares and serve warm.
2. **Toppings:** Serve with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
**Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole**
* **Use Stale Bread:** As mentioned earlier, slightly stale bread works best in this recipe. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by toasting it lightly in the oven.
* **Don’t Oversoak the Bread:** Be careful not to oversoak the bread in the custard, as this can result in a soggy casserole. The bread should be moist but not saturated.
* **Adjust Sugar to Taste:** The amount of sugar in the recipe can be adjusted to your liking, depending on the sweetness of your bread and your personal preference.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole can result in a dry and rubbery texture. Bake until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking will allow the custard to set further and make it easier to cut and serve.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Try using different types of bread, spices, fruits, or nuts to create your own unique French toast casserole.
**Variations**
* **Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole:** Add diced apples and extra cinnamon to the custard.
* **Berry French Toast Casserole:** Add fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) to the casserole.
* **Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole:** Add chocolate chips to the casserole.
* **Pecan Praline French Toast Casserole:** Sprinkle chopped pecans and a brown sugar-butter mixture over the casserole before baking.
* **Savory French Toast Casserole:** Omit the sugar and cinnamon and add savory ingredients like cheese, ham, or vegetables.
**Make-Ahead Instructions**
This French toast casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole as directed and refrigerate it overnight or for up to 24 hours. Before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. Then, bake as directed.
**Storage Instructions**
Leftover French toast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
**Recipe**
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf (1 pound) brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8 large eggs
* 2 cups milk (whole milk or a combination of milk and cream)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* Optional add-ins: fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
2. **Grease the Baking Dish:** Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
3. **Arrange the Bread:** Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. **Make the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and frothy. Add the milk (and cream, if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
5. **Pour Custard over Bread:** Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
6. **Gently Press Bread:** Use a spatula to gently press the bread cubes down into the custard, ensuring that all the bread is submerged.
7. **Optional Add-ins:** If desired, sprinkle fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips over the casserole at this point.
8. **Cover and Refrigerate (Optional):** If making the casserole ahead of time, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.
9. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. **Bake Uncovered:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
11. **Cool Slightly:** Let the casserole cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving.
12. **Slice and Serve:** Cut the French toast casserole into squares and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
**Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):**
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-15g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 10-15g
**Enjoy!**
This Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite. With its simple ingredients, customizable options, and make-ahead convenience, it’s sure to become a staple in your brunch repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a warm and comforting treat. Happy baking!