Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe | Easy Breakfast Idea
I made this overnight French toast casserole recipe last weekend, and honestly, it might be my new favorite breakfast! It felt so nice to prep everything the night before, knowing I’d wake up to something cozy and sweet. When the smell of cinnamon and vanilla filled the kitchen in the morning, I knew it was going to be good.
The top came out golden and crispy, while the inside stayed soft and custardy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes mornings feel extra special with very little effort. If you enjoy hearty, comforting dishes like this, you might also love a French Onion Chicken recipe for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole. I’ve also added some quick tips on choosing the best ingredients.
- 1 pound loaf of brioche, challah, or French bread – Use day-old bread that’s slightly firm so it soaks up the custard without turning soggy.
- 8 large eggs – These give structure and richness to the custard base.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Adds smooth, rich texture to every bite.
- 2 cups milk – Use whole milk for the best flavor and consistency.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar – Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The key spice that makes this dish warm and comforting.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances out the sweetness and deepens flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract – A touch of fragrant sweetness that ties everything together.
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar – For a sweet, chewy crumble texture.
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds a bit of crispness to the top layer.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Reinforces that warm spiced aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Just a pinch for subtle, nutty depth.
- 2 Tablespoons cold butter, cubed – Cold butter is key for creating the perfect crumbly topping.
Note: Makes about 10 servings in a standard 9×13 inch baking dish.
Variations
This casserole is super versatile, and you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk or oat milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
- Low-sugar version: Cut the sugar in half or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia. You can also drizzle lightly with maple syrup after baking instead.
- Flavor add-ins: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples also bake beautifully into the casserole.
- Savory twist: Skip the streusel and sugar, and mix in ham, cheese, and herbs for a savory breakfast bake.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free sandwich bread that’s slightly dry or toasted before assembling.
You can also pair this approach with dishes like a French Onion Chicken and Rice Bake for a satisfying dinner.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it’ll take from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour (plus overnight chilling time)
Equipment You Need
You don’t need much to make this recipe! Here’s what helps:
- 9×13 inch baking dish – For layering and baking the casserole.
- Large mixing bowl – To whisk together the custard ingredients.
- Whisk – For a smooth custard mixture.
- Pastry cutter or fork – To mix the streusel topping evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate proportions.
- Plastic wrap or foil – To cover the dish overnight in the fridge.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the bread and custard
Lightly grease your baking dish with butter. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until well combined. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors soak in.
Step 2: Make the streusel topping
The next morning, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend it into a crumbly texture. Keep the topping chilled until ready to use.
Step 3: Bake and serve
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so it holds its shape nicely.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make it even more perfect:
- I always use bread that’s slightly dry — fresh bread makes the texture too soft.
- Letting the casserole chill overnight really deepens the flavor, so don’t skip that step!
- I mix the custard until completely smooth to avoid any eggy spots in the baked dish.
- Don’t rush the resting time after baking — letting it sit helps it firm up beautifully.
- For a fancy touch, I sometimes sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for sparkle and crunch.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole
Serving this dish is as fun as eating it! Slice the casserole into neat squares and serve warm. Drizzle each portion with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar. For a restaurant-style presentation, add a spoonful of whipped cream and a few fresh berries on top. You can also serve it with crispy bacon or sausage on the side for a sweet-savory breakfast combo.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides a satisfying and balanced treat.
- Calories: ~384 kcal
- Protein: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45 g
- Fat: ~17 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead:
You can fully assemble this casserole the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate overnight. This step lets the bread soak up all that creamy custard goodness so it’s ready to bake in the morning.
Storage:
If you have leftovers, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until warm.
Freezing:
To freeze, wrap the unbaked casserole securely with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This overnight French toast casserole is a crowd favorite for so many reasons!
- Effortless preparation: You do all the work ahead of time — just bake in the morning and enjoy.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s great for holidays, brunches, or any time you need to feed a crowd without stress.
- Rich and comforting flavor: The cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar create a flavor that’s cozy and indulgent.
- Endlessly customizable: Whether you go classic, fruity, or nutty, it’s easy to adjust for any taste or dietary need.
- Looks impressive, tastes homemade: It feels like something from a café, yet it’s simple enough for a lazy Sunday morning.
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is one of those recipes that turns a regular morning into something special. It’s warm, cozy, and guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to — all with almost no morning effort. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new breakfast tradition!
Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease your baking dish with butter. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until well combined. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors soak in.
- The next morning, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend it into a crumbly texture. Keep the topping chilled until ready to use.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so it holds its shape nicely.
Notes
- I always use bread that’s slightly dry — fresh bread makes the texture too soft.
- Letting the casserole chill overnight really deepens the flavor, so don’t skip that step!
- I mix the custard until completely smooth to avoid any eggy spots in the baked dish.
- Don’t rush the resting time after baking — letting it sit helps it firm up beautifully.
- For a fancy touch, I sometimes sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top right after baking for sparkle and crunch.