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Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 62 reviews

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Featuring chunks of country bread soaked in a rich custard of half & half, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with a puffed, tender center and crispy edges, delivering all the comforting flavors of traditional French toast in an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole form.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time; overnight preferred)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Bread

  • 16 ounce loaf country bread or fluffy French loaf (day-old bread preferred)

Custard Mixture

  • 3 ½ cups half & half
  • 8 large eggs
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (+ 1 tablespoon for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Other

  • Butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously butter the inside of a 9 x 13 inch (3 quart) baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Cut the Bread: Chop the country or French loaf into large chunks about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size. Spread these bread pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half & half and eggs carefully to avoid getting any shell in the mixture. Add the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, whisking thoroughly until the custard is smooth and fully combined.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread chunks, ensuring the top pieces are well coated to maximize flavor absorption.
  5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the custard completely.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden brown and the center has puffed slightly. Test doneness by inserting a small paring knife into the center—if it comes out wet, continue baking for an additional 5 or more minutes.
  7. Serve: Cut the casserole into 12 generous pieces and serve warm for a comforting, satisfying breakfast or brunch treat.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread is preferred as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
  • Lightly buttering the baking dish helps to prevent sticking and adds flavor to the casserole edges.
  • Feel free to sprinkle an additional tablespoon of brown sugar on top before baking for a slight caramelized crust.
  • This casserole can be prepared the night before to save time on busy mornings.
  • Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe/