Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
You’ll be the hit of your brunch bunch with this simple, decadent dish. Buttery baked French toast casserole melts in your mouth with bursts of cinnamon and sweet brown sugar flavors.
Enjoy this Christmas morning treat any time you like
Have you ever wanted to make the holiday season last a little longer? To me, this easy breakfast casserole tastes like Christmas morning. It’s a special treat we’ve often enjoyed after all the excitement of what’s under the tree—and a dish that brings back those sweet memories whenever you make it.
The biggest advantage of this baked French toast casserole is that most of your prep time happens the night before. The next day, all you have to do is just pop it in the oven and tackle the rest of your morning routine. It’s perfect for the holidays and really any morning for busy families like ours.
Besides the lower total time involved so much easier than the process for making traditional French toast. I also think it’s better tasting because the flavors of the custard mixture have more time to meld together in the fridge overnight.
As I’ve already mentioned, this is a winner for brunch, especially if you’re having guests or bringing a dish to a friend’s home. Depending on your situation, you can bake the dish while preparing other foods or getting yourself together to get out the door!
What to serve with French toast casserole
A serving of this casserole with a cup of coffee is a delicious, quick morning treat. A sprinkle of confectioner sugar makes the presentation extra pretty. If you are in the mood for decadent richness, consider a very thin drizzle of maple syrup and a bit of whipped cream.
For larger, more balanced meals, pair it with protein, like bacon, fruit or both. The salt content of sausage or ham contrasts perfectly with the flavor of the sweet custard-soaked and baked bread. Contrasting flavors against the sweetness is also why slightly tart fresh berries work well with this dish. Go with strawberries, raspberries, cranberries or blackberries.
Ingredients needed to make overnight French toast casserole
To make this scrumptious and easy breakfast dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Bread: I use French bread or sourdough bread. You might also try challah or brioche.
- Brown Sugar: You’ll need a cup of brown sugar for the bread and another cup for the topping.
- Butter: The bread uses one stick, and the topping uses another.
- Eggs: While you taste them a little bit, the main thing eggs do in this dish is hold it all together and give it the custardy texture.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess, moisture and richness to this casserole’s luxurious texture.
- Vanilla & Almond Extracts: These bring a sweet and nutty combination to the flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: You use a whole teaspoon in the bread and half a teaspoon in the topping.
- Nutmeg: Along with the cinnamon, this brings a warm, spicy flair to the topping flavor.
- Pecans: Gives a satisfying crunch while amping up the overall flavor.
- Light Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth consistency for the topping and sweetens the dish overall.
Be sure to check out the full ingredient measurements and complete recipe below.
Kitchen equipment needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Saucepan
- Wooden mixing spoon(s) or silicone spatula
- 9 x 13 pan or baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl(s)
Frequently asked questions
Whenever I share this recipe for French toast casserole, people tend to ask the same questions. I have answered them below. If you have a question I’ve not addressed, please drop your question in comments! I will respond as quickly as I can.
Can you freeze overnight French toast casserole?
Yes. Once baked, you can wrap individual servings in plastic wrap. Wrapping them in aluminum foil over the plastic wrap adds even more protection from freezer burn. Either way, store them in a freezer-safe, airtight container for best results. It should stay good in the freezer for three to six months.
How do you reheat French toast casserole?
I prefer to use the oven to reheat French toast casserole. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap and place the casserole servings in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes or until it is heated thoroughly.
You can use the microwave and heat one serving from 30 to 45 seconds, then 10-second intervals if needed to heat it thoroughly. You may have soggier results this way, which is why I prefer the oven.
And on that note, here’s the last most popular question …
Is French toast supposed to be soggy or crispy?
Traditional French should be slightly crispy on the outside and dense and moist on the inside–never soggy. The same general rule applies to this casserole. Keep in mind it is not going to be the exact same texture as slices cooked individually, and yet it tastes as good or better!
What are the Layers in French Toast Casserole?
The first two steps of making French toast casserole include making a butter and sugar layer on the bottom, then lining slices of French bread on top.
Then you pour on the egg mixture, being sure to soak each piece of bread. Then top with the cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, butter and pecan mixture. Yum!
More Grandma-approved recipes
If you enjoyed this easy French toast casserole recipe, take a look at some of these other yummy options:
- Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Sausage
- The Best French Toast Recipe
- The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Bacon and Cheese Quiche With Spinach
- Baking Bacon: How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
I’d love it if you let me know what you think of this breakfast casserole when you make it! Drop a note in the comments – my inbox is open for reviews and questions.
French Toast Casserole
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Baking Dish
- small saucepan
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
Casserole ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread or sourdough cut into slices
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 1 cup brown sugar packed, divided
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping ingredients:
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 1 cup brown sugar packed, divided
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter (1 stick) over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in half a cup of the brown sugar until dissolved. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan and spread evenly.
- Arrange the bread slices in the pan over top of the brown sugar mixture.Â
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour egg mixture over top of the bread. Make sure all the bread pieces are completely saturated.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.Â
- To bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- For the topping, Combine butter with brown sugar, pecans, light corn syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread over bread right before baking.
- Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 45-60 minutes and when it’s light golden on top.
