French Toast Casserole

Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole: A Breakfast Symphony

Start your mornings with a crescendo of flavors with our Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole. This delightful dish combines the timeless charm of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole. Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and baked goodness, ready to be enjoyed with a drizzle of maple syrup. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the simplicity of this recipe, unveil the key ingredients, guide you through the preparation, and share variations to tailor this breakfast symphony to your taste.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Casserole:

  1. Prep the Bread: Cut the French bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Create the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Pour Over Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring they are all coated. Press down slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  4. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the flavors.

2. Make the Topping:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt for the topping.
  2. Add Butter: Add the cold, diced butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Store Topping: Cover the topping mixture and refrigerate it overnight alongside the casserole.

3. Bake to Perfection:

  1. Preheat Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Apply Topping: Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish.
  3. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until it’s golden brown and set in the middle.
  4. Serve Warm: Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cook Notes

  • Bread Choice: Opt for a slightly stale French bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
  • Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sugar content according to your preference for sweetness.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: Feel free to use fresh or frozen berries as a topping for added freshness and a burst of color.

Variations

Berry Bliss:

Layer fresh or frozen berries between the bread cubes for a burst of fruity goodness in every bite.

Pecan Paradise:

Mix chopped pecans into the topping for a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness.

Cream Cheese Swirl:

Create a cream cheese swirl by adding dollops of softened cream cheese between the layers of bread cubes.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Almond Flour Swap:

Replace the all-purpose flour in the topping with almond flour for a low-carb alternative.

Sugar Substitute:

Swap granulated and brown sugar with your favorite sugar substitute to reduce the carb content.

Unsweetened Almond Milk:

Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk for a lower-carb, dairy-free version.

In conclusion, the Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole is more than a breakfast dish; it’s a celebration of simplicity and indulgence. The overnight prep allows for a stress-free morning, and the warm, comforting flavors make it a favorite for family brunches and special occasions.

May your kitchen be filled with the delightful scent of cinnamon and vanilla, and your mornings enriched by the joy of a hassle-free breakfast. Share this recipe with fellow breakfast enthusiasts, and revel in the pleasure of savoring a dish that embodies the essence of a cozy breakfast at home.

Here’s to the joy of breakfast, the convenience of make-ahead dishes, and the satisfaction found in the Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole—a symphony of flavors that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. So, savor each bite, experiment with variations, and relish in the beauty of a breakfast classic that stands the test of time!