Overnight French Toast Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Rise and Shine to Deliciousness!

Ever wake up craving something truly special? Maybe it's a lazy Sunday morning or a big family get-together. This easy french toast casserole is just the ticket.

Honestly, it's like a hug in a dish!

What's the Big Deal About This Casserole?

French toast casserole, sometimes called a french toast bake , is all about comfort food. It's basically custard soaked bread recipe baked to golden perfection.

It's a popular breakfast casserole, especially in America, and originated as a way to use up stale bread. This recipe is easy, requiring only about 20 minutes of prep and then the oven does all the magic.

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry people, perfect for brunch recipes or even a holiday brunch casserole.

Why You'll Love This Easy French Toast Casserole

This isn't just any baked french toast with topping ; it's a game changer! The overnight soak ensures every bite is bursting with flavour.

Think vanilla, cinnamon, and that satisfying custard texture. Plus, this make-ahead breakfast saves you time in the morning. Talk about winning! A delicious and easy overnight french toast casserole is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!

Ready to dive into the ingredient list? Let's do this!

Ingredients & Equipment

This easy french toast casserole is a winner. Seriously, it's the sort of breakfast casserole that makes you look like a domestic god/goddess, even if you're just stumbling around in your PJs.

Let's get this french toast bake going!

Main Ingredients: The Dream Team

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound/450g ) of challah, brioche, or French bread. Day-old bread is your friend here!
• 8 large eggs. Get the good ones if you can.
• 2 cups (475ml) whole milk.
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Don't skimp!
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar. Adjust to your sweet tooth.
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted. Adds richness you can't fake.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Real vanilla is always better.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Warm and cozy!
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. A little goes a long way.
• Pinch of salt. Balances the sweetness.

That bread? Brioche is lush, challah is sturdy. Even good ol' French bread works a charm. You want something that'll soak up that custard but still hold its shape.

If it is a day or two old, even better. It will absord the custard soaked bread recipe better.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, but you can totally experiment. Think a dash of cardamom or even a tiny bit of ground ginger.

For a bit of extra flavour, cinnamon french toast casserole is an absolute treat.

Vanilla extract is essential. Don't even think about skipping it. If you are feeling fancy, a little splash of rum or bourbon extract can be amazing.

Got no nutmeg? Allspice is your friend!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

• 9x13 inch baking dish. This is your canvas!
• Large mixing bowl. For whisking all the magic.
• Whisk. Or a fork in a pinch.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise ish!

Don't have a 9x13 inch pan? Two smaller ones will work just fine. Just adjust the baking time a tad. Using a whisk makes sure you get that make-ahead breakfast smooth.

This overnight french toast casserole is so easy, you'll be making it for every holiday brunch casserole ! My aunt always makes this dish for christmas.

This easy breakfast casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. You get a tasty baked french toast with topping .

Honestly, once you master this, you'll never look at brunch the same way again. Give it a whirl! I swear this will be one of your favorite brunch recipes !

Let's Get Baking: The Easy French Toast Casserole You Need!

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good brunch? This easy french toast casserole is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen, especially when you're craving something sweet and comforting.

It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or even holiday brunch casserole spreads. Forget standing over a hot stove flipping individual slices! This french toast bake is all about effortless deliciousness.

I once made this for a post football game brunch talk about a winner! It's a proper crowd pleaser.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

Before we dive in, let's get organized. Cube up that 1 pound (450g) loaf of challah, brioche, or French bread .

I usually go for brioche; it adds such a lovely richness. Next, round up 8 large eggs, 2 cups (475ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar , and all those lovely spices.

Having everything prepped saves you a ton of time. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Easy French Toast Casserole : step-by-step to Flavour Town

Alright, here's how we transform simple ingredients into a cinnamon french toast casserole dream:

1. Bread First: Arrange the cubed bread in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Custard Time: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
3. Soak It Up: Pour the custard over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure it’s all soaked. This is key for that custard soaked bread recipe texture.
4. Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or, ideally, overnight for a true overnight french toast casserole experience). This is your make-ahead breakfast magic moment.
5. Topping (Optional, But Recommended): Combine 1/2 cup (60g) flour, 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (56g) cold butter (cubed) until crumbly. Add 1/4 cup (30g) pecans or walnuts if you fancy it.
6. Bake It: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Sprinkle that topping over the soaked bread and bake for 40- 45 minutes , until golden brown and a knife comes out (mostly) clean.
7. Cool slightly : Let it cool for a few minutes before serving

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bake

Want to take your easy breakfast casserole recipe to the next level? Use stale bread for maximum custard absorption. Also, don't overbake it! The center should still be slightly soft.

Oh, and one more thing - if you love chocolate, toss in some chocolate chips before baking! It's a game changer.

This baked french toast with topping is perfect with a drizzle of maple syrup and some fresh berries. Enjoy! This brunch recipe is such a good way to get breakfast.

Recipe Notes

Right, so you’re about to whip up this ridiculously easy french toast casserole ! Honestly, it's nearly foolproof. But here are some bits and bobs that'll make it even more lush.

I had a right mare the first time I didn't use stale bread. Don't be like me!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so imagine this: a golden slice of baked french toast with topping , all warm and inviting. Pop it on a plate and dust it with a bit of icing sugar.

Fancy, eh? A drizzle of proper maple syrup is essential, and a handful of fresh berries just makes it sing .

A little jug of warmed cream on the side wouldn't go amiss, either. I tell you hwat. For drinks, how about a mimosa? Or a cuppa tea? You can't go wrong.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this cinnamon french toast casserole , wrap them up tight in cling film or foil.

They'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days. Job's a good'un! If you want to freeze it, cut it into portions first.

Then, wrap each portion individually. It'll keep for up to a month. Reheat it in the oven 'til it's piping hot.

Variations: Swapping it Up

Want to mix things up a bit? You could easily make a holiday brunch casserole by adding a splash of orange zest to the custard soaked bread recipe .

Trust me, it's a game changer. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. Simple as that. You could swap out the cinnamon for a bit of mixed spice around Christmas time.

Proper festive, innit? It makes a fabulous make-ahead breakfast .

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, so this breakfast casserole is a treat. It's not exactly a kale smoothie, is it? It does have some protein from the eggs and milk, and the bread gives you some energy.

But remember, moderation is key. A slice or two is lush, but maybe don't eat the whole thing in one go!

Honestly, this overnight french toast casserole is proper simple. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. Or any day, really.

Just give it a go, and let me know how you get on! I'm sure you'll smash it. Fancy making it an easy breakfast casserole recipe this weekend? Sorted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make this easy french toast casserole the night before? I'm a bit of a procrastinator!

Absolutely! That's the beauty of it. Prepping your easy french toast casserole the night before allows the bread to fully soak up all that delicious custard, resulting in a richer, more flavorful bake. Think of it as giving the flavours a chance to have a proper 'knees up' overnight.

Just cover it well and pop it in the fridge!

My easy french toast casserole always seems soggy. What am I doing wrong, mate?

Soggy bottoms are a classic baking woe, even Prue Leith would agree! Make sure you're using slightly stale bread fresh bread will absorb too much liquid. Also, don't skip the chilling time; it's crucial for the bread to soak properly without becoming mush.

And be careful not to overbake it, the centre should be set but still slightly soft.

I'm not a fan of cinnamon. What other spices can I use in my easy french toast casserole?

No worries, not everyone's a cinnamon fiend! Try substituting with a pinch of cardamom or even a dash of allspice for a warmer flavour. You could also experiment with lemon or orange zest for a brighter, citrusy twist.

Get creative and find your perfect spice blend baking is all about putting your own stamp on it!

How long does leftover easy french toast casserole last, and how should I store it? I tend to make too much, like my grandma.

Proper storage is key! Leftover French toast casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it's covered tightly in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it up in a low oven until heated through.

It won't be quite as good as freshly baked, but it'll still be a delicious treat.

Can I make this easy french toast casserole vegan or gluten-free? My friend has allergies.

Absolutely! For a vegan version, substitute the eggs and dairy milk with plant based alternatives like almond milk or oat milk, and use a vegan egg replacer. For a gluten-free casserole, simply use your favourite gluten-free bread. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any cross contamination.

Your friend will be chuffed to bits!

Is easy french toast casserole actually healthy? I'm trying to be good, but it looks so tempting!

Let's be honest, it's more of a treat than a health food, but you can make it a bit better! Reduce the sugar, use whole wheat bread, and load up on berries for extra nutrients and fibre.

Keep portion sizes in check a small square with fresh fruit is a much better option than scoffing half the casserole in one sitting!