Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a comforting and easy make-ahead breakfast dish that features slices of French bread soaked in a rich custard mixture overnight, then topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble before baking to golden perfection. Ideal for feeding a crowd, it combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a creamy texture for a deliciously sweet morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Custard Mixture
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Topping
- 1 ½ sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and neatly arrange them in rows inside the greased dish.
- Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups half and half, ½ cup milk, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate the dish overnight to allow the bread to soak.
- Preheat and Flip: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully flip each bread slice over in the baking dish to allow even soaking on all sides.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ sticks of softened butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for extra shine and smoothness), 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly to form a crumbly topping, then spread this mixture evenly over the soaked bread slices.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up and the topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a sturdy bread like French bread or Texas toast to hold the custard soak without becoming too soggy.
- The dish must be refrigerated overnight for the custard to properly soak into the bread, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Light corn syrup in the topping is optional but adds a pleasant shine and chewiness to the topping.
- Serve with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
