Overnight French Toast Casserole

Overnight french toast casserole is one of those recipes I make when I know the next morning will be busy but I still want breakfast to feel special. It’s sweet, buttery, and soft in the middle with just the right crunch on top. 

The magic happens overnight, as the bread soaks up the custard while you sleep. By morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven and wait for the golden edges to appear.

Why You’ll Love It

This classic version keeps things simple and timeless. No fancy twists, just pure flavor — cinnamon, vanilla, and a buttery topping that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

You can assemble it the night before, which makes mornings stress-free. It’s also versatile — you can dress it up with berries, drizzle it with maple syrup, or keep it plain and let the warm cinnamon do the talking.

Every bite is soft, rich, and slightly crisp — the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

For the casserole:

• 1 loaf day-old French bread or brioche, cubed (about 10 cups)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional for serving:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar

Prep the Bread

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cube your bread into bite-size pieces — not too small, or it’ll get soggy.

Day-old bread works best here. Slightly dry bread soaks up the custard mixture without falling apart, giving you that perfect soft-inside, crisp-outside texture.

Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.

Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The combination of milk and cream gives the casserole a rich, custard-like texture that sets beautifully as it bakes.

Pour this mixture slowly over the bread, pressing down gently so every piece absorbs the liquid. You’ll see the bread plump up slightly as it soaks.

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight (or at least 8 hours).

That resting time is what makes this recipe special — the flavors blend, the bread softens, and everything becomes perfectly balanced by morning.

Add the Topping

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole.

As it bakes, the topping melts into a sweet, slightly crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft custard beneath.

Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, depending on how soft or crispy you like it.

For a softer, bread-pudding texture, bake closer to 40 minutes. For a crisp top and firmer texture, go the full 45.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and puffed, and the kitchen smells like cinnamon and vanilla. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and slices cleanly.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you want to elevate it, top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

It’s one of those dishes that feels like brunch in a café but comes straight from your oven. I love how it looks — golden brown on top, creamy inside, with just enough caramelization around the edges to make every bite irresistible.

Why It Works

This casserole works because it takes the essence of French toast and makes it practical for real life. Instead of flipping slices on a skillet, you get all the same flavors in one big, hands-off bake.

The combination of eggs, milk, and cream forms a rich custard that soaks into the bread overnight, turning ordinary ingredients into something comforting and elegant. The topping adds texture and sweetness, creating that perfect balance in every bite.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to restore the texture.

You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is a blank canvas — once you master the base, you can adapt it easily.

Try stirring in a handful of berries or chocolate chips before baking, or swap the topping for a crumbly streusel. You can even drizzle it with a quick cream cheese glaze to make it taste like a cinnamon roll version.

It’s endlessly customizable while still feeling classic and homey.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this classic overnight French toast casserole never goes out of style. It’s simple, comforting, and impossible not to love. The best part is that it makes mornings easier — no rushing around, no frying pans, just a warm, golden breakfast that brings everyone to the table.

It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you why homemade food always tastes better — because it’s made with care, even while you sleep.

Can I Make This Without Letting It Sit Overnight?

Yes. If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before baking. The flavor won’t be quite as deep, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk or Gluten-Free Bread?

Absolutely. Almond milk or oat milk both work well, and gluten-free bread holds up nicely if it’s slightly stale. Just make sure to grease the dish well and adjust baking time if needed.