Oh my goodness, am I excited to share this Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole recipe with you! There’s something incredibly comforting about waking up to the smell of a warm, sweet breakfast wafting through the house, don’t you think? This dish is a dream come true for lazy brunches, family gatherings, or just those mornings when you want to treat yourself without the hassle of cooking. I mean, who doesn’t love a breakfast that practically prepares itself while you’re sleeping?
I have fond memories of making this casserole for our annual family brunches. My cousins would rush into the kitchen, eager to dig in, and it always brought the happiest smiles! The best part? You can make it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you wake up. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
What’s in Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole?
Let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays a vital role in making this breakfast delight absolutely scrumptious. Here’s a little breakdown:
French bread (or brioche): This is the star of the show! You want to use a loaf that’s nice and fluffy to soak up all that delicious custard. Brioche adds an extra richness that’s hard to resist.
Eggs: Eight large eggs create the custardy base that binds everything together. They add protein and make this casserole feel indulgent.
Milk: I usually go for whole or 2% milk for that creamy texture, but feel free to use your favorite milk substitute if you’re feeling adventurous.
Heavy cream: A little heavy cream ensures this dish is rich and heavenly, elevating the texture to pure breakfast bliss.
Granulated sugar: We need a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors and make it truly breakfast-worthy.
Vanilla extract: This adds a delightful aroma that makes everything taste homemade and cozy.
Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon warms up the flavor profile, giving it that classic French toast taste.
Salt: Just a pinch! It brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Maple syrup: You can’t forget the syrup! Serve it warm on top for that quintessential French toast experience.
Unsalted butter: Drizzled on top before baking, it helps create a golden, crispy crust that’s to die for.
Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting on top is perfect for that Pinterest-perfect finish!
Is Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health side of things! This casserole is quite indulgent, but hey, we all need a treat sometimes, right?
Bread: French bread is a great vessel for deliciousness, but it does add some carbs to your morning. Opt for whole grain bread if you’re looking for a slightly healthier twist!
Eggs: Loaded with protein and healthy fats, eggs are great for keeping you full, which is always a bonus in my book!
Heavy cream and sugar: These are where the indulgence really comes in. If you’re trying to cut down, you could swap some of that cream for additional milk, and use less sugar or a sugar alternative.
Overall, this casserole is best enjoyed as an occasional treat, perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations!
Ingredients List
– 1 loaf of French bread (or brioche)
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup maple syrup (for serving)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Powdered sugar (for garnish, optional)
*Serves: 8-10 people*
How to Make Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole?
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Cut the French bread into thick slices (about 1 inch) and arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, packing them closely together.
2. **Make the Egg Mixture:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. **Combine:** Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well soaked. Gently press the bread down if necessary to make sure it’s fully covered.
4. **Soak Overnight:** Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
5. **Preheat Oven:** In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. **Prepare for Baking:** Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread.
7. **Bake:** Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center. You can cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes if it browns too quickly.
8. **Serve:** Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Brunch Bliss Awaits!
So there you have it! This Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole is perfect for cozy mornings with family, and the best part is, you can customize it! Throw in some fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts if that’s your jam. I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out for you when you give it a try. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
