Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole
A simple, no-fuss French toast casserole that you assemble the night before and bake in the morning for a warm, comforting breakfast perfect for busy days or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf day-old French bread or challah (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream
Instructions
- Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices. If fresh, let sit uncovered for a few hours or lightly toast to dry out. Arrange slices evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until fully blended and slightly frothy.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Press down gently to help bread soak up the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Brush the top with melted butter for a golden crust.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Insert a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if browning too fast. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption. If using fresh bread, dry it out first to avoid sogginess. Room temperature eggs and milk help custard blend and bake evenly. Press bread gently into custard to avoid dry pockets. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Variations include adding fruit, nuts, or making it savory by omitting sugar and cinnamon and adding cheese and meats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of ca
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 13.5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 13.5
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 37.5
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 13.5
Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, easy breakfast casserole, make ahead breakfast, cinnamon French toast bake, holiday breakfast recipe