Craving a cozy, decadent breakfast that feels special but doesn’t require waking up at the crack of dawn? This Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole is exactly what you need! You’ll love how effortless it is—prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a golden, custardy dish that tastes like pure comfort. Whether it’s for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or just a lazy weekend, this make-ahead breakfast will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like French bread, brioche, or challah is best. Slightly stale bread works wonders here because it absorbs the rich custard without turning to mush.
- Eggs: Essential for creating that luscious, custard-like texture.
- Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: The dynamic duo that brings creaminess and richness to the custard.
- Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used to sweeten the casserole and the crumbly topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, inviting aroma that French toast is known for.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring a cozy, warming flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- Butter: Cold, cubed butter is key for a crumbly, golden topping.
- Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries for serving.
Instructions
Prepare the Casserole Base:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Cube your loaf of bread into 1-inch pieces and scatter them evenly across the dish. Don’t be afraid to really mound it up — the custard will compress it slightly overnight.
Make the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until smooth and well combined.
Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the cubed bread. Gently press down with a spatula or your hands to ensure every piece is nicely soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg together. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingers to blend it all together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate this topping until you’re ready to bake.
Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the bread mixture. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
Serve:
Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, drizzled with maple syrup, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with fresh berries if you like.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
Use Day-Old Bread:
Fresh bread tends to get soggy. For the best texture, either buy your bread a day or two ahead of time or cube it and let it dry out for a few hours before using.
Customize Your Flavors:
Want to mix it up? Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during the fall, add a splash of orange zest for a fresh twist, or stir a handful of chocolate chips into the bread before soaking it.
Add a Little Crunch:
Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds over the top along with the crumble for an irresistible crunch!
Don’t Skip the Rest Time:
Letting the casserole sit overnight allows the bread to fully soak up the custard. If you’re in a rush, four hours in the fridge can work, but overnight truly gives the best results.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerating Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds, or rewarm larger portions in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes.
Freezing:
You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Reheating from Frozen:
If you forget to thaw, no worries! Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for about 1 hour, covering loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Dress It Up:
Top with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and toss on some fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. For an extra-indulgent option, add a dollop of whipped cream!
Make It a Brunch Spread:
Pair your Overnight French Toast Casserole with savory sides like scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, or a fresh fruit salad. Coffee, mimosas, or even a spicy Bloody Mary will round out the meal beautifully.
Perfect for Holidays:
This casserole is a star at holiday breakfasts! Make it a Christmas morning tradition, or impress guests at an Easter or Mother’s Day brunch.
Variations to Try
Dairy-Free Version:
Swap the whole milk and cream for almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Use a plant-based butter alternative for the crumble topping.
Vegan Version:
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg), and follow the dairy-free substitutions above.
Fruity Additions:
Before soaking the bread, sprinkle in diced apples, blueberries, or even slices of banana for a fruity twist. You can also swirl a few spoonfuls of fruit preserves into the casserole before baking.
Chocolate Lover’s Version:
Add a handful of chocolate chips into the bread mixture for a rich, dessert-like version that’s sure to please kids and adults alike.
FAQs
Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
Yes! While overnight soaking gives the best texture, you can let it sit for at least 4 hours if you’re short on time. Just make sure the bread is well soaked.
What’s the best bread for this casserole?
Brioche and challah are top choices because they’re rich, tender, and soak up custard beautifully. French bread also works great if you want a slightly sturdier texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use two 9×13-inch baking dishes. It’s perfect for serving a big crowd.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole should be golden on top and puffed up slightly. Insert a knife into the center—if it comes out mostly clean with just a little moisture, it’s ready!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that’s both easy and impressive, this Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole ticks all the boxes. You’ll love the combination of crispy golden topping and soft, custardy interior. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Prep it tonight, and tomorrow morning you’ll be serving up smiles!
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for crumble topping)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crumble topping)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumble topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for crumble topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for crumble topping)
- Optional maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the cubed bread evenly inside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all bread is soaked.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- To make the crumble topping, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a medium bowl. Add cold butter and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let it come to room temperature.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh berries if desired.
