There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, delicious breakfast waiting for you, especially on busy mornings or during relaxed weekend brunches. This Overnight French Toast Casserole is the perfect solution for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of French toast but wants to save time in the morning. Prepared the night before, this dish soaks up a rich custard overnight and bakes into a golden, fluffy, and slightly crispy delight.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast Casserole

This recipe is incredibly simple and versatile. It requires minimal prep and can be customized with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or maple syrup. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread, especially brioche, challah, or French bread, which soak up the custard beautifully.

Ingredients

1 loaf of day-old French bread or brioche, cut into cubes

8 large eggs

2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer custard)

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

Butter for greasing the baking dish

Optional toppings: fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, chopped nuts

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut your bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.

2. Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3. Assemble: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing lightly to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid.

4. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to let the bread absorb the custard fully.

5. Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

6. Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle with maple syrup for an extra treat.

Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole

Choose the Right Bread: Brioche or challah are ideal because they’re rich and sturdy, but French bread works well too.

Customize the Flavor: Add orange zest, nutmeg, or a splash of bourbon to the custard for a unique twist.

Toppings: Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or toasted nuts add texture and flavor contrast.

Final Thoughts

Overnight French Toast Casserole is a deliciously simple recipe that makes mornings easier and tastier. With a creamy custard-soaked bread base and a perfectly baked golden top, it’s sure to become a favorite breakfast or brunch dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for a warm, sweet start to the day.