Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish featuring thick slices of French bread soaked in a fragrant custard mixture overnight, then topped with a buttery, spiced brown sugar topping and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday morning, it offers a warm, sweet, and satisfying start to the day with minimal morning prep required.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole
- 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 Casserole: Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Slice the bread and neatly arrange the slices in the baking dish, creating a base for the custard soak.
- Mix the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring all bread is soaked.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Preheat and Flip: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Flip the bread slices gently to ensure even soaking and texture.
- Make the Topping: In a bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup (if using), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until smooth and well blended to create a sweet and spiced topping.
- Apply Topping and Bake: Spread the topping evenly over the flipped bread slices. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the casserole is puffed up and golden brown on top, indicating it’s fully cooked and deliciously caramelized.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best absorption and texture.
- Half and half can be substituted with whole milk for a lighter version, though richness may vary.
- Light corn syrup in the topping is optional but helps with a glossy finish and slight chewiness.
- Make sure to cover the casserole during the overnight soak to prevent it from drying out.
- For an extra touch, serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
