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french toast casserole served

Overnight French Toast Casserole

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 about 10 cups day-old French bread or brioche, cubed
  • 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

Method
 

  1. Cube your bread into bite-size pieces — not too small, or it’ll get soggy. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Pour this mixture slowly over the bread, pressing down gently so every piece absorbs the liquid. 
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight (or at least 8 hours).
  5. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. 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.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, depending on how soft or crispy you like it.
  8. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and slices cleanly.

Notes

  • Use sturdy bread. Brioche, challah, or French bread work best. Soft sandwich bread will turn mushy.
  • Don’t skip the overnight rest. That’s what gives it the custard texture.
  • Make it ahead for holidays. Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning — it’s a lifesaver.
  • Balance the sweetness. If you’re serving with syrup, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the custard.
  • Add toppings last. Powdered sugar or fruit looks and tastes best when added right before serving.