Overnight French Toast Casserole (The 'Wake Up and Win' Edition)

Craving a lazy brunch? My Overnight French Toast Casserole is the ultimate 'wake up and win' recipe! Crispy edges, custardy center, and so easy. Get the recipe!

Right, let's dive straight into this overnight french toast business. you ever wake up craving something lush but haven't got the energy for a proper cook-up? honestly, me too! that's where this bad boy comes in.

Forget slaving over a hot stove first thing, this is french toast breakfast made ridiculously easy.

Wake Up to Bliss: Overnight French Toast Casserole

This ain't your average french toast. think of it as the posh cousin, all dressed up in a casserole easy to serve.

We're talking about a baked french toast that's crisp on top and gooey in the middle. this recipe is inspired by the classic but takes the effort right out of it.

It's basically a hug in a dish, originated by thrifty cooks looking for ways to use up stale bread, evolving into a brunch staple perfect for a breakfast for a crowd .

Honestly, i reckon it started as someone's genius way to avoid washing up individual slices!

This recipe is dead easy. i'd say it's a beginner-friendly recipe. prep takes about 20 mins, then an overnight snooze, and bake time is roughly 45- 55 minutes.

This will serve about 8 hungry folks. perfect for those lazy weekend mornings, or that christmas morning breakfast .

Why You'll Love This French Toast Bake

Let's talk benefits, shall we? beyond the obvious "it tastes amazing," this french toast bake is seriously convenient. it's a game-changer, proper tasty, and makes your house smell incredible.

Plus, it's packed with protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk, so it's not entirely naughty.

I find this the perfect thing when entertaining and thinking what's for breakfast on a sunday morning. especially useful if you have a crowd to feed.

It always get a resounding 'yes', every single time.

What makes this recipe special? it's the make-ahead magic. prep it the night before, and you will thank yourself the next morning.

Plus, that overnight soak means the bread gets properly saturated with the custard, which creates an awesome texture. i mean, breakfast casseroles don't get much better than this, do they? next, let's get into the bits and bobs you'll need.

Right, let's talk ingredients & equipment for the best overnight french toast ever . honestly, this baked french toast recipe is dead easy.

Perfect for a lazy christmas morning breakfast or when you need breakfast for a crowd . it's a proper french toast bake that's less hassle than frying individual slices.

Main Ingredients: Get 'em Right

Okay, so the key to this Overnight French Toast Casserole success starts with good ingredients. No scrimping! This French Toast Breakfast will become a staple.

• Eggs: You'll need 6 large eggs (US & Metric). Make sure they are fresh. They should have firm yolks. Give them a shake, if they slosh around, they are bad.
• Milk: 1 ½ cups (355 ml) whole milk. It’s gotta be whole milk, yeah? Adds richness.
• Cream: ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream. This is where the magic happens.
• Sugar: ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavour.
• Vanilla: 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract. Proper vanilla, not the cheap stuff.
• Spice: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) ground nutmeg. Adds that cosy feeling.
• Bread: 1 loaf (approx. 1 pound or 450g) challah, brioche, or French bread. Cut into 1-inch cubes. It's important to use bread that's a bit stale.

Don’t forget that pinch of salt! It's about 1/8 tsp (0.5 ml). It balances the sweetness.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Want to elevate your Breakfast Casseroles ? Pay attention to the spices!

• Spice Combo: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic. But a tiny pinch of cardamom can add something special.
• Flavour Boost: A splash of bourbon (like, a tablespoon) in the custard is chefs kiss .
• Substitutions: No nutmeg? Allspice works in a pinch. Out of vanilla? Use maple syrup instead. But the vanilla is key.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gadgets. This is a Casserole Easy recipe.

• Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch baking dish is perfect.
• Mixing Bowl: One big enough to whisk the custard.
• Whisk: A basic whisk does the trick.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get your measurements spot on!
• Bread Knife: A serrated knife makes slicing the bread easier.

If you haven't got a whisk, a fork will do. don't stress! want to know what's for breakfast , and don't have time to go to the shops? try an alternative, such as a baking tray.

Honestly, that's it. Pretty straightforward, yeah? Now you're ready to make some amazing Overnight French Toast ! I can see you sharing it now.

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of overnight french toast . honestly, who doesn't love waking up to the smell of a sweet, ready-to-bake breakfast? it's like a hug in casserole form.

It’s an excellent breakfast for a crowd .

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first: essential mise en place . it's a fancy term for "get your act together before you start". chop 1 loaf of challah bread (or brioche, or french bread, whatever floats your boat) into 1-inch cubes.

Next up, find your 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it, melt 4 tablespoons of butter for greasing, and find your whisk and mixing bowl.

Time-saving tip? do the bread the night before . let it sit out to get a little stale. stale bread is the secret weapon.

Safety reminder: don't lick the spoon until after the eggs are in. just kidding... mostly.

The Step-by-Step: From Chaos to Casserole

Here's the main event:

1. Spread those bread cubes evenly in your greased dish. Make sure it's really greased.
2. Whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 ½ cups of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Whisk like you mean it.
3. Pour that beautiful custard over the bread. Ensure all of it is moist! Gently press down.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours... overnight . This is where the magic happens. This will be a lovely Christmas Morning Breakfast .
5. Next morning, preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Let the casserole sit at room temp for 30 mins.
6. Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans (optional). Why not, eh?
7. Bake for 45- 55 minutes , or until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let it cool slightly, slice, and drizzle with ¼ cup of maple syrup if desired. This recipe is so easy , it is known as Casserole Easy .

Pro Tips and Tricks

Here's where I tell you my secrets from making French Toast Bake often:

• Don't overbake! Soggy is bad, burnt is worse. Aim for golden brown.
• Speaking of bread: challah is my personal fave, but use what you like. Day-old is better.
• Make-ahead option? You're already making it ahead! This French Toast Breakfast is great for lazy mornings! Or maybe you want to try other Breakfast Casseroles or you want to ask yourself What's For Breakfast .

Baked French Toast is a crowd-pleaser. There you have it! Now go forth and conquer breakfast. And try this Overnight French Toast today!

Right, so you've nailed the overnight french toast recipe. but before you dive headfirst into making a massive breakfast for a crowd , let's chat about a few crucial bits and bobs.

Honestly, these little tweaks can take your french toast breakfast game from "meh" to "omg!"

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code

These are my little secrets to elevate Baked French Toast from good to "where has this been all my life?"

Serving Like a Pro

• Plating & presentation: right, presentation matters! cut that golden french toast bake into squares, fan them slightly on a plate, and dust lightly with icing sugar.

  A few fresh berries (raspberries are my go-to) and a sprig of mint? chef's kiss! honestly, instagram will thank you.

• Sides & sips: what's for breakfast? forget just shoving this french toast casserole down your gob! crispy bacon or sausages are the obvious choice.

  A mimosa never hurt anyone either. if you're feeling fancy, a strong black coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Storage Savvy

• Refrigeration: If you, for some bizarre reason, have leftovers (seriously, how?), wrap them tightly in cling film or foil and pop them in the fridge. They'll be grand for 2-3 days.

• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Easy Casserole leftovers! Cut into individual portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw completely before reheating.

• Reheating: the best way is back in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

  You can also use the microwave, but it might get a bit soggy. honestly, the oven's worth the extra effort.

Remixing the Recipe

• Dietary Swaps: Need a gluten-free version? No worries. Just use gluten-free bread! Easy peasy. If you're after a less sweet option, ease up on the sugar in the custard.

• Seasonal swaps: autumn calling? add some cooked apple slices with cinnamon. summer? fresh berries are your best friend. this christmas morning breakfast becomes festive with a hint of orange zest and cranberries.

  I swapped blueberries with the peaches one summer, the results was delightful!

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

• Basic Breakdown: Okay, so it's not exactly health food, is it? But each serving clocks in around 350-400 calories.

• Health Perks: Hey, eggs are packed with protein! And a little sweetness can boost your mood first thing in the morning. Plus, you are getting something from the dairy in the milk.

Right, there you have it! this overnight french toast is a proper winner. now go on, get baking! and don't be afraid to experiment.

Honestly, the best recipes come from a bit of kitchen chaos. you'll be whipping up breakfast casseroles like a pro in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make overnight french toast with regular bread, or does it have to be something fancy like brioche?

While brioche or challah will give you that extra-rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you absolutely can use regular bread! Just make sure it's a day or two old – slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better without getting too soggy, a bit like using yesterday's baguette for bruschetta. Even a sturdy loaf of sourdough will do in a pinch!

How long can overnight french toast actually sit in the fridge? Is 8 hours really necessary?

Eight hours is the sweet spot for allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard, giving you that lovely, even texture throughout. However, if you're in a bit of a bind, you could get away with a minimum of 4 hours. Just bear in mind the longer it sits, the more decadent it will be. So, really, it's all about forward planning and having a good old English breakfast the next morning!

My overnight french toast casserole is browning too quickly. What am I doing wrong?

Don't fret! If the top is browning too fast, simply tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will protect the top from further browning while allowing the center to finish cooking. It's like popping a tea cosy on your French toast to keep it just right!

Can I add berries or other fruit to this overnight french toast recipe?

Absolutely! Adding berries or other fruit is a fantastic way to customize your overnight French toast. Toss in a cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries work great) with the bread before pouring on the custard. You could even sauté diced apples with cinnamon for a more autumnal twist. Consider it your personal touch, a bit like choosing the right jam for your scone!

How do I store leftover overnight french toast, and how long will it last?

Leftover overnight French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices (though the texture might suffer slightly), or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Think of it as keeping a crumpet warm for elevenses – proper storage is key!

Is there a healthier version of overnight French toast I can make?

Yes, you can certainly lighten things up! Use whole-wheat bread for added fibre. You could also swap out some of the heavy cream for milk, or use a milk alternative like almond or oat milk to reduce the fat content. Using less sugar and adding fruit are also great ways to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavour. It’s all about making smart swaps, a bit like choosing a salad over a Sunday roast when you're feeling virtuous!

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