Description
Soft, custardy, and baked overnight — this French toast casserole is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, brunches, or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
1 loaf of day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
½ cup maple syrup, for serving
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut bread into cubes and place in the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Pour custard evenly over bread cubes. Gently press bread down to soak evenly.
4. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
6. Remove plastic wrap and sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if using.
7. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until custard is set and the top is golden.
8. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or berries.
Notes
Tips & Storage:
• Use different breads like croissants or whole-grain for varied texture.
• Add sliced apples, pears, or berries between bread layers for fruity variation.
• Substitute half-and-half or almond milk for lighter options.
• Top with caramel sauce or chocolate chips for indulgent mornings.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.
• Freeze assembled casserole (unbaked) up to 1 month; thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 140