Overnight French Toast Casserole (Perfect for Christmas Morning)

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Christmas morning in our house always meant a breakfast that could be made ahead, so I could enjoy the present opening instead of standing at the stove. This overnight French toast casserole is just that: assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and you’ll have a warm, cinnamon-sugar breakfast that feeds a crowd.

Tips

• Use sturdy bread. Day-old brioche, challah or French bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
• Press the bread down so every piece gets soaked.
• Bake covered, then uncovered for a soft center and crisp top.
• Toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or sautéed apples.

Mandie

Overnight French Toast Casserole

Bread soaked overnight in cinnamon custard, then baked until golden.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Soak 8 hours hrs

Total Time 9 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 10 slices day-old bread (about 6 cups cubed) brioche, challah or French bread
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• maple syrup for serving

Method

 

1. Pour the melted butter into an 11×7-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Layer half the bread in the dish and sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar. Repeat.
4. Whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla and pour evenly over the bread. Press down gently.
5. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 1 hour).
6. Heat oven to 350°F. Bake covered 40 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes more until golden and set in the center (160°F).
7. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

Let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.

FAQ

Can I make it the same morning?

Let it soak at least 1 hour, but overnight gives the best texture.

How do I know it’s done?

The center should be set and a knife should come out without liquid egg, about 160°F.

Can I double it?

Yes, use a 9×13 pan and add 10 to 15 minutes to the covered bake time.

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• DIY Hot Cocoa Mix
• Homemade Chai Tea Latte
• Pumpkin Pancakes