Description
Irresistible Overnight French Toast Casserole brings comfort and indulgence straight from traditional French kitchens. Warm spices, rich custard, and golden-crisp edges promise a delightful breakfast experience that will make morning gatherings memorable for all.
Ingredients
Scale
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (or thick Texas toast), sliced
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) half and half
- 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) milk
Sweeteners and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Crunch Topping:
- 1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Generously lubricate a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Create a layered arrangement of bread slices in neat, slightly overlapping rows within the prepared dish.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine eggs, half and half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt using a whisk.
- Delicately cascade the liquid mixture over the bread, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage of each slice.
- Securely shield the dish with aluminum foil and allow it to rest and absorb flavors in the refrigerator throughout the night.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F.
- Craft the topping by blending all designated ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until thoroughly integrated.
- Distribute the prepared topping evenly across the surface of the soaked bread slices.
- Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the dish becomes beautifully puffed and displays a golden-brown complexion.
- Once completed, extract from the oven and allow a brief cooling period before serving.
Notes
- Ensure bread is day-old or slightly stale for better absorption of egg mixture, preventing soggy texture.
- Use sturdy bread like brioche or challah for richer flavor and more robust structure during baking.
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread or cubed gluten-free challah.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting granulated sugar by half for healthier version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg