If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that feels like a warm, comforting hug, then this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a perfect blend of rich custard-soaked bread with a crisp, buttery crumb topping that bakes up golden and irresistible. What makes it truly special is the ease of prep—just mix, soak, and let the fridge do the magic overnight, so when morning arrives you have a spectacular, crowd-pleasing dish ready to impress. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday morning, this casserole delivers that sweet, cinnamon-kissed flavor that fuels happy mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, each playing a vital role to create the perfect balance of creamy custard, tender bread, and a crunchy topping that steals the show.
- French bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): Sturdy and slightly stale bread is ideal, so it soaks up all the custard without turning mushy.
- Large eggs (8): Eggs provide the rich, binding custard base that makes every bite silky and luscious.
- Whole milk (2 1/4 cups): Adds creaminess and moisture, ensuring the casserole is tender throughout.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Boosts the decadence quotient and helps create a custard that’s rich but not heavy.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds warmth and depth, playing into the caramelized topping and custard together.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings out natural sweetness and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The cozy spice that gives French toast its classic comforting aroma.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle, fragrant hint that adds complexity to every bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- For the topping: All-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold unsalted butter combine to make the crisp, crumbly layer that makes this casserole unforgettable.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Custard Mixture
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread your cubed French bread evenly across the bottom. The key here is to ensure every piece gets the perfect amount of custard soaking later. Next, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Pour this custard over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help the bread absorb every bit of that luscious mixture.
Step 2: Let the Magic Happen Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 6 hours if you’re short on time. This resting period is what transforms the casserole, as the bread fully soaks up the custard, making each bite creamy and tender. Trust me, this step is absolutely worth the wait!
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp, Buttery Topping
While the casserole rests, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. Pop this mixture back in the fridge overnight in a sealed container so it stays cold and ready to turn beautifully golden and crumbly when baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the custard-soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly—this allows the casserole to firm up just right before serving.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Your casserole is a blank canvas for garnishes that add freshness and extra layers of flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar lends a pretty, snowy finish, while a drizzle of maple syrup adds rich sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon-spiked custard. For a vibrant touch, fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a pop of color and natural tartness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with light sides to round out the meal. Crispy bacon or savory sausage links add a delightful contrast and keep everyone satisfied. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also brighten the plate, creating a balanced brunch spread that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, making it feel extra special and tailored. Alternatively, layering it with fresh fruit or dollops of whipped cream just before serving creates an elegant look that will wow your guests. If you’re feeling festive, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts on top offers a wonderful crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole tastes just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When fully cooled, cover it tightly to maintain moisture without losing that wonderful crisp topping.
Freezing
If you want to make it even further in advance, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a bit of extra time if needed to warm through.
Reheating
For perfectly reheated slices, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the topping has regained some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the casserole a bit soggy, and miss out on that delightful texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than French bread in this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is ideal for its texture and crust, sturdy breads like challah or brioche work beautifully too, adding their unique flavor and richness to the casserole.
What if I don’t have whole milk or heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or just whole milk if necessary, but the texture might be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free version, try using unsweetened almond or oat milk with a tablespoon of dairy-free butter melted in the custard.
How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
This recipe is perfect for prepping up to 24 hours ahead. Any longer, and the bread might become overly saturated and lose its ideal texture.
Can I add fruit inside the casserole before baking?
Yes! Fresh or frozen berries, sliced apples, or even bananas can be gently folded in before the overnight soak for an extra fruity burst of flavor in every bite.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Definitely. The casserole can be doubled and baked in larger pans or multiple dishes. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as larger casseroles might need additional minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about starting the day with a warm, golden casserole that you prepared the night before. This Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe brings together the best textures and flavors with minimal morning effort, making it a perfect choice for busy or relaxed mornings alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again — it truly makes every breakfast into a celebration.
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing breakfast perfect for weekends or holiday brunches. Cubes of French bread are soaked overnight in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then topped with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crumb topping before baking to golden perfection. The result is a custardy, tender, and sweet breakfast that’s easy to prepare and delightful to serve with maple syrup or fresh berries.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf French bread (about 14–16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Custard: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed French bread evenly in the pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all the bread pieces absorb the liquid thoroughly. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store the topping in the fridge overnight in a sealed container.
- Preheat the Oven and Assemble: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the soaked casserole from the fridge and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked bread mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the custard is set in the center. The casserole should be slightly puffed and firm when done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired.
Notes
- Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for added sweetness and flavor.
- This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and baked straight from the refrigerator.
- Use day-old French bread for best absorption and texture.
- Make sure the butter for the topping is very cold to achieve the best crumbly texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
