Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish that combines thickly sliced French bread soaked overnight in a rich custard mixture, then topped with a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar topping and baked until golden and puffed. Perfect for leisurely weekend breakfasts or holiday brunches, it offers a sweet, creamy, and tender texture that will delight the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 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
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread: Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Slice the French bread into thick pieces and arrange them evenly in the prepared dish.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture thoroughly for maximum flavor and custard-like texture.
- Preheat Oven and Flip Bread: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully flip the soaked bread slices over to ensure even soaking and texture during baking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended. Spread this topping evenly over the flipped bread slices in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The custard should be set but still moist.
Notes
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread yields the best texture because it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy.
- The light corn syrup in the topping is optional but helps create a glossy, luscious crust.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Feel free to add fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for added flavor when serving.
