This Overnight French Toast Casserole can be prepped the night before and combines the sweet flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup for a classic family favorite! It’s great served alongside fresh fruit.
Table of Contents
This easy breakfast recipe combines the delicious flavors of french toast with the nutty maple syrup flavor of cinnamon rolls. Made the night before and then set in the refrigerator, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for the family.
If you love this make-ahead breakfast casserole, then you might also like my egg casserole for a different twist on a breakfast classic. Or try this crockpot breakfast casserole for a hands-off morning meal that’s ready when you wake up.
I’m always looking for an easy breakfast idea for our family. This one I found in my grandma’s recipe box was perfect
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty breakfast, and this casserole delivers just that. It’s a cozy way to start the day.
- Classic Flavors: This recipe sticks to the classic combination of vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, making it a timeless and irresistible breakfast option.
- Make-Ahead: It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast. Just prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning. It’s a real time saver!
- Family Favorite: This French toast casserole is a hit with the whole family. The sweet, crunchy topping is a fun twist that even picky eaters love.
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Key Ingredients
- White Bread: This will be the base of our French toast casserole, soaking up all the delicious custard.
- Eggs: They will help to bind the casserole together and give it a rich, creamy texture.
- Whole Milk and Half and Half: These will be the liquid components of our custard, making the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Vanilla Extract: It will add a sweet, aromatic flavor to the casserole, making it more delicious.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice will give the casserole a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Butter: It will add a rich, buttery flavor to the topping, making it even more decadently delicious.
- Brown Sugar: This will sweeten the topping and give it a delicious caramel flavor.
- Maple Syrup: It will add a hint of maple flavor to the topping, and compliment the other flavors in the casserole.
- Nuts: They will add a crunchy texture to the topping, as well as a delicious, nutty flavor.
Equipment
- 13×9-inch Baking Pan – You’ll need this to layer the white bread and bake the French toast casserole. Be sure to grease it generously to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowl – This is essential for combining the eggs, milk, half and half, vanilla, and cinnamon. It’s also used to mix the ingredients for the nut topping.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
Preparation
Start by greasing your 13×9 baking pan generously. This will prevent the French toast from sticking to the pan and make it easier to serve.
Step 1 – Layer the Bread
Take your greased baking pan and layer it with slices of white bread. You want the bread to be packed in there, but not squished.
Step 2 – Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, half and half, vanilla, and cinnamon. This will be your custard mixture. Once it’s well mixed, pour it over the bread slices in the baking pan. Make sure to cover all the bread with the mixture. Then, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight.
Step 3 – Make the Streusel
In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. This will be your streusel topping.
Step 4 – Layer the Streusel
The next day, take your baking pan out of the refrigerator. Uncover it and spread the streusel topping over the soaked bread.
Step 5 – Bake the French Toast
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Once heated, place your French toast casserole in the oven and bake it for 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the middle is puffed and golden.
Step 6 – Serve
Once your French toast casserole is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm, and if you like, you can top it with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Expert Tip
For the best overnight French toast casserole, make sure to use slightly stale bread. This will allow the bread to soak up the egg and milk mixture without becoming too soggy.
Recipe Variations
- Different Bread: Try using a different type of bread for this recipe, like brioche or challah, for a richer flavor and softer texture in your French toast casserole.
- Add Fruit: Layer some sliced apples or peaches with the bread for a fruity twist. You can also add a cup of fresh berries to the egg mixture for a burst of color and flavor.
- More Spices: While this recipe calls for just cinnamon, feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to change up the flavors.
What to Serve With
- For a delicious brunch spread, serve your overnight French toast casserole with a side of fresh fruit, crispy bacon, and a hot cup of coffee.
- If you’re hosting a breakfast buffet, this casserole is a must-have. Pair it with some yogurt parfaits, breakfast potatoes, and a variety of fruit juices.
- Looking for a cozy weekend breakfast idea? Serve this French toast casserole with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s like having dessert for breakfast!
Make Ahead Instructions
This recipe is meant to be prepped the night before. Simply follow the instructions and bake in the morning. However, for the best results, I would not recommend refrigerating it for more than 12 hours.
Recipe FAQs
If you notice the top is getting too crunchy, then cover it with a layer of foil.
No. I would not let this refrigerate for more than 12 hours. That being said, you can let it refrigerate for only 4 hours to get similar results if you’re making it for breakfast or dinner.
You’ll find that the entire pan has puffed up and the top is golden brown.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing it as the texture can alter significantly.
- To reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. I don’t recommend microwaving it as it makes it mushy.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This overnight French toast casserole recipe yields a delicious breakfast for 6 people.
- How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve more than 6 people, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. You may need to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the increased quantity.
Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 12 slices white bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 Cups milk
- 2 Cups half and half
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Nut Topping
- 3/4 Cup butter softened
- 1 1/3 Cups brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/3 Cups nuts coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Generously grease a 13×9 baking pan. Layer white bread.
- In a bowl combine eggs, milk, half and half, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over bread slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In a bowl, combine topping ingredients. Spread over top of bread. Bake at 350˚F for 50 minutes or until middle is puffed and golden. Serve warm.
