Name: Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 8 h 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 32 h 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 tbsp butter; 8 cups Granny Smith apples; ⅔ cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp water; 1 tbsp Cinnamon; 1 tbsp Corn Starch; 14 slices white bread; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Awaken your senses and indulge in the sweet and savory delight of this overnight apple pie French toast casserole. The perfect balance of tart apples and sweet cinnamon-infused French toast is sure to bring a delectable twist to your breakfast table.

Photos of Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

Most ingredients for this recipe are household staples, but the granny smith apples might require a special trip to the supermarket. Known for their crisp texture and tart flavor, they retain their structure even after baking, making them ideal for this recipe.

Ingredients for Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Butter: Used to soften the apples and incorporate the flavors.

Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the dish.

Brown sugar: Adds a depth of flavor not achieved with white sugar.

Water: Helps thin out and distribute the flavors.

Cinnamon: Complements the apples and adds warmth to the dish.

Corn starch: Thickens the apple mixture.

White bread: Soaks up the egg mixture and bakes into a soft, custardy texture.

Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.

Milk: Creates a creamy custard base with the eggs.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors.

One reader, Fina Hulsey says:

This overnight apple pie French toast casserole recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the prep is so easy. The apples and cinnamon create a delightful aroma, and the dish is perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!

Fina Hulsey

Techniques Required for Making Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

How to prepare the apple mixture: Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and water. Cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes or until the apples are slightly softened.

How to create a slurry: In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of corn starch and 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.

How to thicken the apple mixture: Push the apples over to one side of the pan, turn the heat up to medium-high, and pour some of the corn starch mixture into the boiling liquid until it thickens.

How to assemble the casserole: Spread the apple mixture into a 9×13-inch pan. Top with ½ of the bread slices and spoon ½ of the egg mixture over the bread. Top with a second layer of bread slices and the remaining egg mixture. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

How to bake the casserole: Remove the pan from the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake covered for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the bread is firm.

How to serve the casserole: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Invert into a pan.

How To Make Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Wake up to a tasty breakfast with our easy, inexpensive, and yummy Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole recipe, which you can make ahead for tomorrow!

Preparation: 8 hours 20 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 1 day

Total: 1 day 8 hours 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5tbspbutter
8cupsgranny smith apples,(about 5 large apples) peeled, sliced
⅔cupbrown sugar
3tbspwater
1tbspcinnamon
1tbspcorn starch
14sliceswhite bread,crusts removed
6large eggs
2cupsmilk
1½tspvanilla extract

Instructions

Combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Set aside.
Peel and slice the apples to approximately ¼-inch thick.
Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and water. Cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes or until the apples are slightly softened.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of corn starch and 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
Push the apples over to one side of the pan, turn the heat up to medium-high, and pour some of the corn starch mixture into the boiling liquid until it thickens.
Depending on how much liquid was in the apples, you may not need all of the slurry.
Spread the apple mixture into a 9×13-inch pan. Top with ½ of the bread slices and spoon ½ of the egg mixture over the bread.
Top with a second layer of bread slices and the remaining egg mixture. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

To serve:

Remove the pan from the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake covered for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the bread is firm.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Invert into a pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 407.59kcal
Fat: 14.61g
Saturated Fat: 7.27g
Trans Fat: 0.32g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.87g
Carbohydrates: 56.39g
Fiber: 5.61g
Sugar: 28.52g
Protein: 12.68g
Cholesterol: 164.68mg
Sodium: 343.22mg
Calcium: 185.08mg
Potassium: 376.50mg
Iron: 2.78mg
Vitamin A: 154.36µg
Vitamin C: 0.14mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

When preparing the granny smith apples, make sure to slice them uniformly. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate. Also, when adding the corn starch slurry to the apple mixture, pour it in slowly while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. This will result in a smooth and thickened sauce for your apple pie french toast casserole.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This French Toast Casserole

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by using pre-sliced bread instead of slicing it yourself.

Make ahead: Prepare the apple mixture and egg mixture the night before to minimize prep time in the morning.

Bake in advance: Consider baking the casserole in advance and reheating it when ready to serve for a time-saving option.

Double batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing one for later use to save time on future meal preparations.

Organize workspace: Keep your workspace organized and clean to work efficiently while preparing the recipe.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as preparing the apple mixture while the bread is soaking in the egg mixture.

Quick clean-up: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking clean-up time and maintain an organized kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter in the dish, and it's a great dairy-free alternative.
granny smith apples - Substitute with honeycrisp apples: Honeycrisp apples have a similar sweet-tart flavor and firm texture, making them a suitable replacement for granny smith apples in this recipe.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar and adds a delicious caramel-like flavor to the dish.
white bread - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread's rich and eggy texture makes it a great substitute for white bread in this recipe, adding a wonderful depth of flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: For a vegan alternative, flax eggs can be used to bind the ingredients together, providing a similar texture and structure to the dish.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can provide a warm and sweet flavor similar to vanilla, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Best Way to Present Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Elevate the plating: When presenting the overnight apple pie French toast casserole, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a combination of edible flowers and cinnamon dust to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrast in textures by adding a sprinkle of caramelized nuts on top of the casserole. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful crunch with each bite.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Adorn the plate with thinly sliced honeycrisp apples and pomegranate arils to bring a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Drizzle with caramel sauce: Create an artistic drizzle of homemade caramel sauce on the plate to add a touch of sweetness and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for fine china or artisanal ceramic plates to serve the casserole, elevating the dining experience and adding a sense of luxury to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making This French Toast Casserole

Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking casseroles, roasting, and more.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, often available in various sizes.
Whisk: A utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Oven: An appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Refrigerator: Used for storing and preserving ingredients and prepared dishes at a cool temperature.

Storing and Freezing Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Let the apple pie french toast casserole cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped casserole with the date and contents, so you can easily identify it later.
- Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the casserole, you can either:
- Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Bake it directly from frozen in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it with foil during reheating.
Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. Simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.
Leftover apple pie french toast casserole can be a delightful treat for days to come, whether enjoyed on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

How to Reheat Leftover Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

To reheat leftover overnight apple pie french toast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the french toast from drying out.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a slice of the apple pie french toast casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it's warmed to your liking. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the casserole in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the casserole on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the center is warm.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the french toast casserole. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the casserole in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of the casserole in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy.

Interesting Fact About Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

The Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole recipe is a delightful way to repurpose leftover bread and apples. It combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a make-ahead breakfast dish. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or special occasions, as it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a warm and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. It's a great way to start the day with a delicious and satisfying meal.

Is Making This French Toast Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?

The overnight apple pie French toast casserole is a moderately cost-effective dish for a household. The use of readily available ingredients like apples, bread, eggs, and milk keeps the cost reasonable. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying choice for breakfast or brunch. Considering the overall appeal and the relatively low cost of ingredients, this recipe earns a solid 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and hearty meal.

Is This Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?

This overnight apple pie french toast casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High sugar content from the brown sugar and naturally occurring sugars in the apples
Significant amount of saturated fat from the butter and whole milk
Refined carbohydrates from the white bread, which lack fiber and nutrients
High calorie density due to the combination of sugar, fat, and refined carbs

However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:

Swap white bread for whole grain bread to increase fiber and nutrient content
Reduce the amount of brown sugar and butter used in the apple mixture
Use low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative to decrease saturated fat
Incorporate additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance flavor without added calories
Serve with a side of plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and to balance out the sweetness
Top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for healthy fats and added crunch
Pair with a fresh fruit salad to increase overall nutrient density of the meal

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this indulgent breakfast treat while still satisfying your cravings for a cozy, comforting dish.

Editor's Opinion on This Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

As a culinary expert, I find this overnight apple pie French toast casserole recipe to be a delightful combination of classic flavors and comforting textures. The use of granny smith apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a rich, warm filling, while the overnight soaking of the bread in the egg and milk mixture ensures a lusciously creamy texture. The addition of a corn starch slurry to thicken the apple mixture adds a professional touch, resulting in a perfectly balanced and indulgent dish. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a special breakfast or brunch, and its make-ahead nature makes it a convenient option for entertaining.

Enhance Your Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash: Try serving with a side of roasted butternut squash, seasoned with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet and savory complement to the apple pie french toast casserole.

Honey Glazed Carrots: For a touch of sweetness, consider pairing the casserole with honey glazed carrots, roasted to perfection and drizzled with a honey and butter glaze.

Cranberry Pecan Salad: A refreshing cranberry pecan salad with mixed greens, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette would provide a delightful contrast to the rich and indulgent flavors of the apple pie french toast casserole.

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Suggested Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with This French Toast Casserole

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness that will leave you craving for more.

Bruschetta: Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of bruschetta, featuring juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze atop crispy, toasted bread. It's the perfect appetizer to kick off any meal with a burst of Italian-inspired goodness.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. The perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, packed with colorful vegetables and tender strips of beef. This dish is a delicious and satisfying option for a quick and healthy meal.

Why trust this Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe:

This recipe uses granny smith apples which are known for their tartness and firm texture, making them perfect for baking. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a delicious filling. The use of vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish. Additionally, the overnight refrigeration allows the bread to absorb the egg and milk mixture, resulting in a creamy and decadent texture. The step-by-step instructions ensure that the casserole is prepared with precision and care, guaranteeing a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.

Want to share your experience making this Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole or discuss tips and variations? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How long does it take to prepare the overnight apple pie French toast casserole?

The preparation time for this recipe is about 20-30 minutes, and then it needs to be refrigerated overnight before baking.

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the egg mixture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made ahead of time. You can prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Can I substitute the granny smith apples with a different variety?

Yes, you can use other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. However, keep in mind that the tartness and firmness of granny smith apples work particularly well in this recipe.

Can I freeze the leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Once the casserole has cooled completely, you can slice it into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.