Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Soft slices of French bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture and topped with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon topping create a rich, comforting dish that bakes up golden and puffed to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 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 Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
- 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 and bread: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Slice the French bread into even pieces and arrange them neatly in the baking dish.
- Make the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well soaked.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture deeply for a moist, flavorful texture.
- Preheat oven and flip bread: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and carefully flip each bread slice to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Prepare and spread the topping: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup (if using), ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, spreadable topping. Spread this topping evenly over the flipped bread slices in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up and the topping is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old French bread or Texas toast as it soaks up the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- The optional light corn syrup in the topping adds extra shine and moisture but can be omitted if preferred.
- You can enhance flavor by adding a pinch of ground cloves or a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture for a festive twist.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
- Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream for added indulgence.
