Easy Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole: A Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight

Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole

This delicious baked French toast casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or weekend brunches. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, this delightful dish combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Baked French Toast Recipe

• Make-ahead convenience – Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning
• Crowd pleaser – Perfect for feeding a family or hosting brunch guests
• Customizable – Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, fruits, or chocolate chips
• Balanced texture – Crispy on top with a soft, custard-like center

Ingredients for Perfect Baked French Toast

• 1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut diagonally in 1-inch slices
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces

For Serving:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Whipped cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked French Toast

1. Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the slices of French bread in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are coated.
5. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
6. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. While the oven is heating, prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
8. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
10. Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread.
11. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
12. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked French Toast

• Use day-old bread – Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy
• Don’t skimp on soaking time – The overnight rest is crucial for developing flavor and texture
• Even distribution – Pour the egg mixture slowly to ensure all bread pieces get evenly soaked
• Check for doneness – The casserole is ready when it’s puffed up and golden, with no liquid visible when you press the center
• Resting period – Let the baked French toast rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set properly

Delicious Variations to Try

• Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and extra cinnamon to the custard mixture
• Berry Bliss: Layer fresh or frozen berries between the bread slices
• Banana Foster: Add sliced bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the custard
• Chocolate Lover’s: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers of bread

Nutrition Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 395 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 169mg
• Sodium: 408mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover baked French toast can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For best results, add a light drizzle of maple syrup before reheating to keep it moist.

Why This Baked French Toast Works Every Time

This recipe has been perfected to ensure a balance between the crispy, caramelized top and the soft, custardy interior that makes baked French toast so irresistible. By preparing it the night before, you not only save time in the morning but also allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend breakfast, this crowd-pleasing dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes