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If you love waking up to a breakfast that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, then this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine luscious brioche bread soaked in a dreamy custard, layered with tangy whipped cream cheese dollops, and baked with a crumbly cinnamon-sugar topping that’s simply irresistible. This recipe brings together texture, flavor, and ease in a way that feels fancy but requires almost no morning effort. It’s the perfect dish to prepare the night before and then share a cozy, delicious feast with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in how simple, yet thoughtfully chosen, the ingredients are. Each element works together to create that balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that makes overnight French toast casseroles so beloved.
- Brioche bread: Its buttery richness is key for achieving that soft, custardy interior with just the right amount of structure.
- Whipped cream cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess that cuts through the sweetness for a sophisticated flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the cream cheese mixture for a light sweetness and smooth texture.
- Vanilla bean paste: Gives a warm, authentic vanilla flavor that deepens the dish.
- Fresh fruit or jam (optional): Adds juicy bursts of natural sweetness and bright colors.
- Chopped nuts: Bring a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the custard-soft bread.
- Chocolate chips: Melting pockets of chocolate for those little moments of indulgence.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard, providing richness and structure.
- Half & half: Perfect richness, balancing creaminess without heaviness.
- Light brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and moisture to both the custard and crumb topping.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener with depth and warmth.
- Cinnamon: Adds cozy spice that pairs beautifully with all the other flavors.
- Salted butter: For the crumb topping, giving a buttery, crisp finish that contrasts the soft casserole.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create the crumbly topping texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Bread
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray—this ensures your casserole comes out effortlessly after baking. Cube your brioche loaf into roughly 1-inch pieces; if your brioche is already sliced, cutting each slice into smaller chunks works perfectly. Layer half of these cubes evenly into your prepared pan, forming the foundation of your breakfast masterpiece.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, mix together the whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. This luscious mixture will add bursts of creaminess throughout the casserole. Dollop half of this mixture evenly over your first layer of bread cubes. This step creates pockets of sweet, tangy surprise that make each bite exciting.
Step 3: Add Optional Layers
If you’re using fresh fruit, jam, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, divide these ingredients in half and layer them thoughtfully on top of the cream cheese dollops. Remember, pairing fruit with jam isn’t generally recommended to avoid clashing flavors—pick one to keep the flavors bright and balanced. Then, add the remaining bread cubes, followed by dolloping the rest of the cream cheese mixture on top.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Whisk together eggs, half & half, light brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt until combined. This rich, flavorful custard is what soaks into the bread overnight, turning each cube into soft, custardy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble and Refrigerate Overnight
Pour the custard evenly over your layered bread and cream cheese mixture. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. This slow soak allows the bread to absorb all those delicious custard flavors, making your breakfast perfectly moist and decadent first thing in the morning.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping and Bake
The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently press down your casserole with the foil to compact it slightly, then remove the foil. In a bowl, combine cubed cold butter with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, using your fingers to mix until you have crumbly, clumped topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Baking time affects texture—the shorter bake yields softer, custardy bites, while longer baking offers a slightly firmer, less eggy casserole.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly brightens the casserole, adding a delicate sweetness and pretty snow-like effect. For extra flair, fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream take your serving to the next level, adding color, flavor, and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the star of your breakfast or brunch table, but pairing it with crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or even a light green smoothie creates a well-rounded meal. The savory sides provide balance to the richness of the casserole, while fresh fruit enhances the natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply make breakfast feel extra special, bake the casserole in individual ramekins. This makes serving effortless and offers perfectly portioned delights. Alternatively, top with a splash of your favorite liqueur or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a fun twist on the classic Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, though the texture will firm up a bit. To enjoy later, simply reheat and add a touch of syrup or fresh fruit to revive the freshness.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully—either before baking (cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap), or after it’s baked and cooled completely. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven for a delicious breakfast that feels freshly made.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings until warmed through. Adding a little extra syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon can bring back the just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche for this casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery texture and richness, you can also use challah or Texas toast. Just avoid very dense or crusty breads, as they won’t soak up the custard as well overnight.
Do I have to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Yes, refrigerating allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, which makes the casserole tender and flavorful. Though you can bake it immediately, the overnight soak results in the best texture and taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the half & half with your favorite dairy-free milk blend and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The casserole will still be delicious but may have a slightly different texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for the crumble topping to be golden and firm, and a knife inserted in the center to come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and thickness of the casserole.
Can I add savory ingredients to this dish?
This recipe is designed for sweet flavors, so savory add-ins like cheese or herbs aren’t recommended. However, you could serve it alongside savory breakfast favorites for a beautiful contrast.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for relaxed mornings that still feel special. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and just the right touch of indulgence to your table with minimal morning fuss. Whether for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering, this casserole will quickly become a cherished go-to—give it a try and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite!
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Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy make-ahead breakfast perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of buttery brioche, creamy whipped cream cheese, and a custardy egg mixture are soaked together overnight and then baked with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping. Optional add-ins like fresh fruit, jam, nuts, or chocolate chips allow customization to suit your taste. The result is a soft, tender casserole with a deliciously golden crust that’s perfect for holiday brunches or lazy weekend mornings.
Ingredients
Bread and Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (17.6-ounce) loaf brioche bread (500g), pre-sliced or cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese (226g)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (30g)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 cup fresh fruit (optional)
- 1 cup jam (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Egg Custard
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half & half (480mL) or 1 cup whole milk plus 1 cup heavy cream
- â…” cup light brown sugar (133g), packed
- ¼ cup 100% pure maple syrup (60mL)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (84g), cold and cubed
- â…“ cup light brown sugar (67g), packed
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour (44g), spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cube the bread: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes; if pre-sliced, cut each slice into 12 pieces for uniform layering.
- Layer bread in pan: Place half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Mix cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and well blended.
- Add cream cheese to bread: Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the first bread layer, then add the remaining bread cubes on top followed by the rest of the cream cheese mixture dolloped on top.
- Incorporate optional add-ins: If using fresh fruit, jam, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, divide each in half and layer them alternately with the cream cheese and bread layers. Recommended to use either fruit or jam, not both. Nuts and chocolate chips can be mixed in with either or left out.
- Prepare egg custard: Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl; then add half & half, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, whisking until fully combined.
- Pour custard over casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and toppings. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak fully.
- Preheat oven and press casserole: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently press the casserole down with the foil to compact for even baking, then remove the foil completely.
- Make topping mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cold cubed butter, light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture clumps together.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. For a softer, custard-like texture bake nearer 45 minutes; for a firmer, less eggy texture bake closer to 55 minutes.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Optionally add fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use either fresh fruit or jam, but not both together to avoid excess moisture.
- The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and baked fresh in the morning.
- Adjust baking time to preference for softer or more set textures.
- Use a sturdy brioche loaf for the best custardy texture, avoid overly crusty or stale bread.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
