If there’s one dish that brings a smile to my face and a burst of joy to my mornings, it’s this Overnight French Toast Casserole. Picture this: the night before a leisurely Sunday brunch, I prepare this delightful casserole, and as I slide it into the fridge, I know I’m in for a treat the next day. There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of warm cinnamon and maple syrup wafting through the house. Every bite feels like a hug on a plate, making it perfect for lazy family gatherings or festive brunches with friends. Not to mention, it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
What makes this recipe so special? Well, it allows you to turn overnight preparations into a decadent breakfast without any morning fuss. Just think about it: no flipping pancakes or standing at the stove! Instead, you can sip on your coffee while watching the casserole bake to golden perfection. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole!
What’s in Overnight French Toast Casserole?
- French bread or challah: About 16 oz will do! I prefer using challah for its slightly sweeter flavor, but French bread works wonderfully too.
- Large eggs (6): These are the backbone of our custard, providing rich flavor and structure.
- Whole milk (2 cups): For creaminess! You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if you’re opting for a non-dairy version.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): This adds an indulgent richness that makes each bite heavenly.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): A touch of sweetness that balances the flavors in the custard.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Because who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla in their breakfast? Always opt for pure vanilla extract when possible!
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The warm spice that really brings this dish to life!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the overall flavor.
- Maple syrup (1/2 cup): A must for drizzling! Choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): This adds a delightful caramelized touch to the topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon for topping): A sprinkle to elevate that gorgeous golden topping.
- Butter: For greasing the baking dish. You could also use a non-stick spray if you want to save a couple of calories!
Is Overnight French Toast Casserole Good for You?
While this dish is undeniably delicious, it’s also indulgent, so let’s approach this thoughtfully. The eggs and whole milk contribute to a good amount of protein and calcium, making it fairly nutritious. However, it’s also quite rich due to the heavy cream and sugar, so if you’re watching your sugar intake or calories, there’s always room for adjustments! You could use almond milk with less sugar or even throw in some diced fruits like berries or bananas for a refreshing twist. Just be mindful when indulging; it’s best served as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf (16 oz) of French bread or challah
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole?
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread or challah into thick slices (about 1-1.5 inches) and arrange them tightly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sliced bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Press down gently with your hands to help the bread absorb the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread just before baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Sweet Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some berries or sliced bananas before soaking the bread. Strawberries and blueberries are a delightful combination!
- You can even jazz it up by adding chocolate chips to the custard for a rich twist.
- This dish is perfect for brunches or holidays—imagine how impressed your guests will be!
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread, and use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
I can’t emphasize enough how fantastic this Overnight French Toast Casserole is for special occasions. Preparing it the night before means you’ll have more time to enjoy your guests while the casserole does all the heavy lifting in the oven! And hey, if you try it out, I’d love to hear how it goes—snap a picture and tag me! Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
