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Overnight Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: The Make-Ahead Brunch Favorite

A close-up of a square slice of baked french toast casserole topped with a rich, gooey cinnamon sugar crust.
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Prepare this rich, custardy French Toast Casserole the night before for a stress-free morning. It bakes into a golden, comforting dish perfect for weekend brunch or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) thick-cut bread like brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined to create the custard base.
  3. Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap.
  6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean).
  9. Let the baked french toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm. Serve with maple syrup.

Notes

  • Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps the cubes hold their shape better when soaking in the custard.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half.
  • This recipe is a crowd pleasing brunch staple that tastes great with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/french-toast-casserole-make-ahead-brunch/