This overnight French toast casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
The recipe is simple and allows for customization with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
Overview of French Toast Casserole
This French toast casserole brings together the beloved flavors of traditional French toast in a convenient and shareable format.
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family breakfast, it allows you to prepare the dish the night before, making your morning routine a breeze.
The fluffy texture and golden-brown top create an inviting presentation that is hard to resist, especially when topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of syrup.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of this casserole is simple yet effective.
Using a loaf of bread, preferably French or challah, creates a delightful base that absorbs the rich egg mixture beautifully.
Complemented by eggs, milk, and cream, the mixture results in a custard-like consistency that bakes to perfection.
With the addition of sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, each bite bursts with flavor, while fresh fruits and syrup provide a refreshing contrast.
Preparation Made Easy
One of the standout features of this recipe is its straightforward preparation.
Start by cutting the bread into cubes and layering them in a greased baking dish.
Next, whisk together the egg mixture, ensuring every ingredient is well combined.
Pour this mixture over the bread, allowing it to soak overnight in the refrigerator.
This step not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a perfectly baked casserole in the morning.
Baking to Perfection
When it’s time to bake, simply preheat your oven and let the casserole sit at room temperature for a short while.
Baking it uncovered allows the top to become golden and slightly crispy, while the inside remains fluffy and moist.
In just under an hour, you’ll have a warm, inviting dish ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
For a delightful finishing touch, dust it with powdered sugar and add a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Fresh berries not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the dish.
Consider offering whipped cream on the side for those who want an extra indulgence.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This casserole serves about eight people, making it an excellent choice for brunch gatherings.
With each serving containing around 320 calories, it strikes a balance between indulgence and comfort.
Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, creating lasting memories over a shared meal.
Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
This casserole features layers of bread soaked in a rich egg mixture, baked until golden and fluffy. It serves about 8 people and takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (French or challah), cut into cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (optional for serving)
- Fresh fruit for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh fruit, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g