... Print

Easy Make-Ahead Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole

Close-up of a golden brown baked french toast casserole dusted generously with powdered sugar in a white dish.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This recipe delivers a fluffy, custard-soaked French Toast Casserole that you prep the night before. Wake up to a simple, crowd-pleasing breakfast perfect for weekend brunch or holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup (for serving)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. This creates your rich custard.
  3. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread soaks up the liquid. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
  4. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 12 hours). This overnight prep is key for a fluffy texture.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish.
  6. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean).
  7. Let the baked french toast cool for 5 minutes before serving. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
  • For a holiday touch, add 1 cup of fresh blueberries or sliced bananas over the top before baking.
  • If you need to bake this immediately without the overnight rest, let the bread soak for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, but the texture will be less uniform.
  • This dish is a fantastic make ahead breakfast option for feeding a crowd.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/easy-make-ahead-baked-french-toast/