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
Scale
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
