Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring thick slices of French bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced brown sugar topping, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy mornings or special occasions, this casserole combines creamy textures with warm spices for a comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
Custard Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened (12 Tbsp)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Slice the French bread or Texas toast and arrange the slices evenly in the dish.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring each piece is soaked.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator to allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Preheat and Flip: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and carefully flip the bread slices in the dish to help ensure even custard distribution and texture.
- Make the Topping: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, light corn syrup (if using), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well until the topping is a uniform, spreadable mixture.
- Apply the Topping: Spread the prepared topping evenly over the flipped bread slices in the dish, making sure to cover the surface thoroughly for a rich flavor and golden crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, golden brown on top, and cooked through in the center.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven, allow it to cool slightly, then cut into portions and serve warm. This casserole pairs wonderfully with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old French bread for best texture to soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- If you don’t have half and half, you can substitute with a mixture of equal parts milk and cream.
- The light corn syrup in the topping is optional but helps create a glossy finish and adds a little extra sweetness.
- You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for holidays or brunch gatherings.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread of your choice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
