Description
Wake up to something special with this rich, golden-baked Overnight French Toast Casserole. It’s an easy breakfast idea that you prep the night before, so your morning is effortless and your kitchen smells like a dream. Made with thick brioche soaked in a creamy vanilla-cinnamon custard, this dish delivers soft, custardy centers with perfectly crisp, buttery edges. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or need quick breakfast comfort food, this is the ultimate make-ahead option. A must-have for breakfast ideas, weekend brunches, or indulgent yet easy recipes for the whole family.
Ingredients
8 cups thick-cut brioche or challah bread, slightly stale
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
1. Slice your bread into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pieces and leave them out for a few hours or overnight to dry slightly.
2. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the bread slices inside, overlapping slightly to fit snugly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until fully combined.
4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing down gently so they absorb the liquid.
5. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dish sit at room temp while the oven heats. Dot the top with melted butter.
7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up before slicing.
Use day-old bread for best texture — fresh bread may become soggy.
Add fruit or nuts on top before baking for fun custom variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: overnight french toast, breakfast ideas, brunch casserole, easy recipe, make ahead breakfast