Wake up to the indulgent aroma of rich, custardy Overnight French Toast, a make-ahead breakfast casserole that transforms your mornings into a gourmet experience. This easy recipe combines thick slices of French bread—or the decadent substitutes brioche or challah—with a luscious mixture of eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and warm spices like cinnamon. The magic happens overnight as the bread soaks in the creamy custard, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Baked to golden-brown brilliance with a buttery finish, this dish is perfect for holiday brunches or cozy family breakfasts. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries for a show-stopping meal everyone will love. Perfectly suited for meal prep, this recipe blends convenience and irresistible flavor.
Slice the French bread into thick slices, about 1-inch thick, and arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each piece is well coated in the custard. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread slices. Optionally, sprinkle an additional teaspoon of cinnamon over the top for extra flavor.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Slice and serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries, if desired.
Calories |
4260 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 175.0 g | 224% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.0 g | 450% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1508 mg | 503% | |
| Sodium | 3268 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 577.6 g | 210% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 373.9 g | ||
| Protein | 90.1 g | 180% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.4 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 1029 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 18.8 mg | 104% | |
| Potassium | 2293 mg | 49% | |
*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.