If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, look no further than the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole. This dreamy bake is loaded with pillowy cubes of French bread soaked in a rich, custardy mixture overnight, then topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble that bakes up to crispy perfection. Each bite is full of comforting flavors—think vanilla, cinnamon, and a delicate hint of nutmeg—that make waking up extra special. Perfect for holidays, lazy weekends, or feeding a happy crowd, this casserole has quickly become a beloved favorite in my kitchen.

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons I love making Best Overnight French Toast Casserole (aside from how outrageously good it tastes) is how it comes together with simple, familiar ingredients. Each component has a job to do, whether it’s creating that soft custard, adding richness, or piling on irresistible crunch.

French bread: The classic base! Sturdy, slightly stale bread soaks up the custard while keeping its shape for perfect texture.
Eggs: Eight large eggs add richness and structure to the custard, binding everything together.
Whole milk: Brings moisture and keeps the casserole soft and creamy.
Heavy cream: The secret to a luscious, velvety custard—don’t skip this for sheer decadence!
Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to every bite.
Brown sugar: Lends moisture and a delightful hint of caramel flavor.
Vanilla extract: Warms up the flavor profile and brings everything together beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: The cozy cornerstone of French toast—absolutely essential.
Ground nutmeg: Just a touch goes a long way to add warmth and depth.
Salt: A pinch makes all the other flavors pop, balancing sweetness with a savory edge.
Chopped pecans (optional): For a nutty crunch that elevates each bite.
Unsalted butter (for greasing): Keeps the casserole from sticking and adds richness.
For the topping:

All-purpose flour: Helps create the perfect crumbly texture for the topping.
Brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes as it bakes.
Ground cinnamon: Enhances the topping with extra warmth and spice.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the streusel sing.
Cold unsalted butter: Cubed and cut in for those irresistible, buttery clumps on top.

How to Make Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and the Bread

Begin by liberally greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter. This not only keeps the casserole from sticking, but also adds a touch of flavor around the edges. Next, cut your loaf of French bread into generous 1-inch cubes. Place them evenly in the baking dish, making sure to fill every nook and cranny—trust me, every cube will soak in glorious custard!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, crack in all 8 eggs and add the whole milk, heavy cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until everything is well-blended and smooth. This mixture will transform plain bread into the luxurious base of the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole.

Step 3: Assemble and Soak Overnight

Slowly pour the custard over the bread cubes, making sure to cover them as evenly as possible. Gently press down with a spatula or clean hands so the bread soaks up every last drop of eggy goodness. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge overnight. The patience pays off: this step infuses every piece of bread with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

While your casserole chills, make the irresistible topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add in the cold cubed butter, then work the mixture together with a pastry cutter or your fingers until you have coarse crumbs. This crumbly mixture gets refrigerated separately until you’re ready to bake, ensuring it stays cold and bakes up perfectly crisp.

Step 5: Top and Bake the Casserole

When morning rolls around, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and take the casserole out of the fridge. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the surface, adding chopped pecans if you love a little nutty crunch. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes—the top should be gorgeously golden, and the center just set. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes (if you can wait!) before serving.

How to Serve Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole is a beauty straight from the oven, but a few well-chosen garnishes will make it sing. Try a dusting of powdered sugar for classic elegance, a sluice of maple syrup for extra sweetness, or a handful of fresh berries to brighten each serving. A scoop of whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade fruit compote makes every bite downright decadent.

Side Dishes

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is rich and satisfying, so I like to pair it with simple sides that add freshness or crunch. Crisp bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a spring greens salad tossed with citrus are all great choices. For a lighter brunch, offer a fruit salad or a big bowl of Greek yogurt alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get festive! Try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or top with edible flowers for a spring celebration. If serving a crowd, cut into squares and dust with cocoa or set up a “topping bar” with various syrups, nuts, and fruits so everyone can customize their own slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled Best Overnight French Toast Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weekday mornings.

Freezing

You can easily freeze this casserole for future cravings. Once cooled, cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store the whole thing in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for a minute or two or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. The topping will crisp up nicely, and you’ll have a dish that tastes just as wonderful as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While French bread gives the ideal texture, brioche, challah, or even sturdy sourdough all work beautifully in the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole. Aim for a loaf that’s a day or two old so it soaks up the custard without becoming overly mushy.

Do I have to let it sit overnight?

Overnight chilling is best for deep flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, let the casserole rest for at least six hours. This gives the bread plenty of time to absorb the custard for that dreamy, tender bite.

Can I make this dairy free?

You can! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk for the dairy and use a non-dairy creamer in place of heavy cream. Swap in vegan butter for the topping, and you’ll still have an amazing—and dairy free—Best Overnight French Toast Casserole.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

The key is using cold butter and chilling the topping until just before baking. Sprinkle it on right before the casserole goes into the oven, and you’ll get that crave-worthy, crunchy finish every time.

Can I add fruit or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Stir a layer of blueberries, sliced bananas, mini chocolate chips, or even small cubes of cream cheese into the bread before soaking. It’s a fun, customizable way to make the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole your own.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole enough—every time I bake it, I fall in love with its comforting flavors all over again. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a holiday crowd, this sweet, custardy casserole is always met with smiles. Give it a whirl and make it your new favorite brunch tradition!

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Best Overnight French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or holiday brunch, this baked French toast is a crowd-pleaser with its delicious taste and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Mixture:

1 loaf French bread (about 14–16 ounces) cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)

Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread Mixture: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, spices, and salt. Pour over bread cubes.
Chill Overnight: Cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight.
Make the Topping: Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter to form crumbs. Refrigerate.
Bake: Sprinkle topping over casserole, add pecans if desired. Bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes.
Serve: Let cool before serving.