Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole

Name: Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delicious and convenient breakfast option. Perfect for holidays or busy mornings, it combines the flavors of classic French toast with the ease of preparation the night before.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-13T17:06:48.947Z

This casserole captures all the comforting flavors of French toast in an easy-to-make dish that you can prepare the night before. The combination of eggs, milk, and spices soaks into the bread, resulting in a custardy texture that’s simply irresistible.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly sweet and custardy with a hint of cinnamon
Convenient make-ahead option for busy mornings
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

      

The Joy of French Toast Casserole

French toast is a beloved breakfast option that many people enjoy for its sweet, custardy flavor. This Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole takes the classic dish to the next level by allowing you to prepare it the night before. The combination of eggs, milk, and cream creates a rich custard that perfectly soaks into the bread, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying.

With its warm cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you can easily throw it together in a matter of minutes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread, turning it into a delightful breakfast treat that everyone will love.

Customizable Delights

One of the best features of this casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and mix-ins, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Consider adding fresh fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a burst of flavor and color. Alternatively, nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft custard.

For chocolate lovers, a sprinkle of chocolate chips can transform this dish into a decadent dessert-like breakfast. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or maple, to give the casserole your unique twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dish that suits your taste preferences perfectly.

Perfect for Gatherings

This Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole is an excellent option for gatherings, whether it’s a holiday brunch or a casual get-together. Preparing it the night before frees up your morning, allowing you to spend more time with family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm, comforting breakfast ready to serve in no time.

Additionally, this casserole can easily feed a crowd, making it an economical choice for larger groups. Pair it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit platter, and you’ve got a well-rounded meal that will please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix and match toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream for serving.

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Add the cubed French bread and gently fold to coat. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

Chill Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Spread evenly over the casserole before baking.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve warm with your choice of toppings!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The casserole can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a convenient option for quick breakfasts throughout the week. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.

For a quicker reheating option, you can also place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method will help retain the casserole's texture and flavor, ensuring that it tastes just as good as when it was first baked.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Overnight French Toast Casserole, consider offering a variety of toppings to enhance the experience. A drizzle of warm maple syrup is a classic choice, but you could also serve it with whipped cream, yogurt, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

For those who enjoy a bit of tartness, a side of fresh fruit preserves or a fruit compote can complement the sweetness of the casserole beautifully. Don’t forget to add a hot cup of coffee or tea to complete the breakfast experience for your guests.

Nutritional Information

This delicious casserole provides a hearty breakfast option that is rich in protein and calcium, thanks to the eggs and dairy used in the recipe. While it does contain sugar, the overall nutritional benefits make it a suitable indulgence for special occasions.

Keep in mind that portion sizes can help manage calorie intake. Enjoy this casserole as part of a balanced breakfast by pairing it with fresh fruit and a protein source, ensuring you start your day off right.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use stale bread for this recipe?

Yes, stale bread works great for absorbing the custard mixture!

→ How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Fresh fruits, whipped cream, maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.