Wake up to the irresistible aroma of **Overnight Baked French Toast**, a make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s as effortless as it is indulgent. Crafted with thick slices of French bread (or brioche or challah), this decadent dish soaks overnight in a rich custard made from eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and warming hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The magic unfolds in the oven, where a buttery cinnamon-sugar streusel topping bakes to golden perfection, creating a delightful contrast with the soft, custard-soaked bread beneath. Perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings, this baked French toast casserole saves time while delivering maximum flavor. Serve it warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an unforgettable breakfast experience!
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven heats.
To make the topping, combine the butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread slices.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. If you prefer a softer texture, bake on the shorter end, and for a firmer texture, bake longer.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Calories |
4371 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.4 g | 254% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.7 g | 504% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1910 mg | 637% | |
| Sodium | 3662 mg | 159% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 525.0 g | 191% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.8 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 266.6 g | ||
| Protein | 112.0 g | 224% | |
| Vitamin D | 14.1 mcg | 70% | |
| Calcium | 1065 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 24.1 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 2078 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.