Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you simply have to try the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole. Imagine golden cubes of soft brioche, soaked in a sweet custard, layered with a buttery brown sugar glaze and a sprinkle of pecans, then baked to pillowy perfection. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence, and every bite is a little celebration—whether for a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve something special!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special—richness, depth, sweetness, or that irresistible golden color—that transforms basic bread into a breakfast masterpiece.
- Brioche or challah bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): The soft, eggy texture soaks up the custard and bakes up beautifully fluffy.
- Large eggs (8): These create the creamy, custardy base that binds all the flavors together.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness and helps the bread absorb the custard evenly.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings extra decadence and a silky texture to the dish.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard just enough without being overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the casserole with a comforting, aromatic sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and that classic French toast flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch provides depth and a hint of spice.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melts into the topping for a rich, gooey finish.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Creates a caramel-like layer that sets this casserole apart.
- Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a natural sweetness and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Pecans (1 cup, chopped, optional): For crunch and a nutty touch—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- Powdered sugar and extra maple syrup (for serving): The perfect finishing touches for sweetness and presentation.
How to Make Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and every serving comes out perfectly golden. Scatter your cubed brioche or challah evenly in the dish—don’t worry about arranging them perfectly. The rustic look only adds to the charm!
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. This creamy custard is the heart of the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole, infusing every bite of bread with richness and flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour your custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down, making sure every cube gets a good soak. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight—this step is what gives the casserole its signature texture!
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Topping
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and maple syrup over medium heat, stirring until smooth. This gooey mixture will become a caramelized topping that makes the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the warm brown sugar mixture evenly over your soaked bread. If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them on top for an extra layer of crunch. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is golden and set in the center. Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup take this breakfast from delicious to downright dreamy. For a pop of color and freshness, add a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint—simple, but oh-so-pretty.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides like crispy bacon, juicy sausage links, or a bowl of fresh fruit salad. For a complete brunch spread, offer mimosas or fresh-squeezed orange juice alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting the casserole into bite-sized squares and serving them on a platter with mini forks or toothpicks—perfect for guests to enjoy while mingling. Or, layer slices with whipped cream and berries in mason jars for a fun, portable twist on the classic Best Overnight French Toast Casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Overnight French Toast Casserole keeps beautifully! Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors continue to meld and the texture stays delightfully tender.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze individual portions (or the whole casserole) once baked and cooled. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw first, then bake covered until hot. Add fresh toppings before serving to revive that just-baked magic!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch
Absolutely! While brioche and challah create that classic, fluffy result, you can use French bread, Texas toast, or even croissants for a fun twist. Just make sure it’s a sturdy bread that can soak up the custard without turning mushy.
Do I really have to refrigerate it overnight?
For the best results, yes, as this allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight gives you that signature Best Overnight French Toast Casserole texture.
Can I make this casserole dairy free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and use a vegan butter. The result will still be deliciously rich and satisfying, perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
How do I add fruit to the casserole?
For a fruity variation, sprinkle fresh or frozen blueberries, sliced apples, or even raspberries between the bread layers before pouring on the custard. The fruit bakes up beautifully and adds a burst of flavor in every bite.
Can I prepare Best Overnight French Toast Casserole ahead for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. You can double it for a larger baking dish, or make multiple pans at once. Just be sure all the bread gets evenly soaked, and adjust baking time as needed for a bigger batch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about waking up to the aroma of the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole baking in the oven. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, this dish is guaranteed to gather everyone around the table. Give it a try, and let it become a new tradition in your home—you’re going to love every bite!
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Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Made with brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze and pecans, it bakes to a golden, custardy perfection. Perfect for holidays or weekend gatherings, it combines comforting flavors with the convenience of preparing it the night before.
Ingredients
Bread and Custard
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
To Serve
- Powdered sugar
- Extra maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the cubed brioche or challah bread evenly across the dish, making sure the cubes are not piled too high for even soaking.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure that all pieces absorb the custard well. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the custard to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat the Oven: The next day, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the packed light brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the brown sugar-butter mixture evenly over the custard-soaked bread. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown on top and set in the center when done.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving warm.
Notes
- This casserole can be fully prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining.
- For a fruity twist, layer blueberries or thinly sliced apples between the bread cubes before adding the custard.
- Leftover casserole stores well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave without losing texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chill time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg