This decadent Overnight French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast dish to prepare for a special occasion or a lazy Sunday morning. Its rich, creamy texture and delightful cinnamon and nutmeg flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. The best part? The preparation is done the night before, leaving you free to enjoy your morning.
All the ingredients for this recipe are easy to find in any supermarket. However, sourdough bread, which is the base ingredient, may have different varieties. Opt for a denser loaf, as it will hold up better during soaking and baking. Real maple syrup is suggested for its natural sweetness and rich flavor. You could replace half and half with a mixture of milk and cream if it's not readily available.
Ingredients for Overnight French Toast Casserole
Granulated sugar: This is used to sweeten the casserole. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to the dish, giving it an exquisite taste.
Ground nutmeg: It imparts a sweet, nutty flavor to the casserole.
Large eggs: They bind all the ingredients together and give the casserole a rich, custardy texture.
Milk and half and half: These dairy products provide the liquid base for the casserole and make it creamy.
Vanilla extract: Gives the casserole a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Sourdough bread: Its tangy flavor and chewy texture are perfect for this casserole. It soaks up the egg mixture well and maintains its structure during baking.
Butter: Used for greasing the dish and adding moisture to the casserole.
Powdered sugar and real maple syrup: These are used for topping to add extra sweetness to the dish.
All-purpose flour, light brown sugar, unsalted butter: These are the ingredients for the crumble topping. They add a sweet, crunchy topping to the casserole.
One reader, Esteban Jeffers says:
This overnight French toast casserole recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the texture is perfect. It's so convenient to prepare the night before and pop in the oven in the morning. The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch. It's become a family favorite in our house!
Techniques for Making Overnight French Toast Casserole
How to prepare the French toast mixture: Whisk together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, milk, half and half, and vanilla until well blended. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and chill for at least 10 hours or overnight.
How to make the crumble topping: Whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble over the casserole before baking.
How to bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Then, bake for 38 to 45 minutes until the center is cooked through and no longer soggy.
How to serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then pour melted butter over the top and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm, drizzling each serving with maple syrup.
How To Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
Everybody enjoys a good french toast but this you’ll love! Made with cinnamon custard-soaked sourdough, open up your morning with a surprise.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspgranulated sugar
- ¾tspground cinnamon
- 1pinchground nutmeg
- 6large eggs
- 1cupmilk,anything but skim
- 1cuphalf and half
- 1½tspvanilla extract
- 1sourdough bread loaf,cut into 1-inch slices then slices cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2tbspmelted butter,plus more butter for baking dish
- powdered sugar,for dusting, about 1 tsp
- real maple syrup,or pancake syrup for serving
For Crumble Topping:
- ⅓cupall-purpose flour
- ⅓cuplight brown sugar,packed
- ¾tspground cinnamon
- ⅛tspsalt
- ¼cupunsalted butter,cold and diced into small cubes
Instructions
French Toast:
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Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish. Add bread cubes to the baking dish spreading them into an even layer. In a mixing bowl with a pour spout** whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Add in eggs and whisk until well blended, while scraping bowl. Pour in milk, half and half and vanilla and whisk until well blended.
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Slowly and evenly pour egg mixture over bread cubes working to coat all of them. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 10 hours, or overnight.
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In the morning preheat oven to 350 degrees F. While oven is preheating, remove casserole from fridge and let rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Prepare crumble
Crumble:
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In a medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Add butter and cut into flour mixture using a pastry cutter or a long pronged fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Transfer to fridge if oven hasn’t fully preheated yet then add it just before placing casserole in oven.
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Sprinkle casserole evenly with crumble then bake for about 38 to 45 minutes, until set and center is cooked through and no longer soggy.
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Let cool a few minutes, pour melted butter over top, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into squares. Serve warm drizzling each serving with maple syrup.
Recipe Notes
The casserole itself isn’t that sweet so don’t leave off the maple syrup. Syrup is not included in nutritional info
Nutrition
- Calories: 338.71kcal
- Fat: 14.55g
- Saturated Fat: 7.76g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.41g
- Carbohydrates: 41.19g
- Fiber: 1.38g
- Sugar: 14.89g
- Protein: 10.94g
- Cholesterol: 141.30mg
- Sodium: 354.52mg
- Calcium: 105.48mg
- Potassium: 176.93mg
- Iron: 2.69mg
- Vitamin A: 141.00µg
- Vitamin C: 0.23mg
Helpful Technique for Making Overnight French Toast Casserole
To ensure that your French toast casserole is moist and flavorful, it's important to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture. This is why the recipe calls for the casserole to be refrigerated overnight. If you're short on time, a minimum of 2 hours should suffice, but the longer the bread soaks, the more custardy and delicious your casserole will be. Also, using day-old or slightly stale bread can help it absorb more of the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and let it chill in the fridge. This way, you can simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by using pre-sliced bread instead of cutting and cubing a whole loaf. It's a convenient shortcut that doesn't compromise on taste.
Make the crumble in advance: Prepare the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can simply sprinkle it over the casserole before baking.
Bake multiple batches: If you have a large gathering, consider making multiple batches of the casserole to serve a crowd without spending extra time in the kitchen.
Invest in a good baking dish: Using a high-quality, non-stick baking dish can save time on cleaning and ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
Substitute Ingredients For Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
granulated sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can add a deeper, more caramel-like flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall richness of the French toast casserole.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice can provide a warm and aromatic flavor profile, similar to cinnamon, with the added complexity of other spices like nutmeg and cloves.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can offer a combination of flavors reminiscent of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, adding warmth and depth to the dish.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg): Flax eggs can serve as a vegan-friendly alternative, providing binding properties similar to regular eggs.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can impart a subtle tropical flavor and creaminess to the dish, adding a unique twist to the traditional French toast casserole.
half and half - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream can contribute to a richer and creamier texture, elevating the indulgence of the casserole.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can infuse a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the casserole.
sourdough bread loaf - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche bread's rich and buttery texture can enhance the overall decadence of the French toast casserole.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a subtle tropical aroma and a hint of sweetness, adding a unique flavor dimension to the dish.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can offer a gluten-free alternative with a nutty flavor, adding a delightful twist to the crumble topping.
light brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can bring a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel-like flavor to the crumble topping, enhancing its overall richness.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle tropical flavor and richness to the crumble topping, creating a unique twist on the traditional buttery crumble.
Presenting Your Overnight French Toast Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the overnight French toast casserole, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers or fresh berries to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of crushed nuts such as pecans or almonds. This will provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Ensure that the crumble topping is evenly distributed and that the powdered sugar is delicately dusted for a professional finish.
Artful drizzling: When serving the casserole, drizzle the real maple syrup in a decorative manner, creating an artistic design on the plate to showcase precision and culinary finesse.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the French toast casserole on elegant porcelain plates or artisanal platters to enhance the sophisticated presentation and elevate the dining experience for the esteemed judges.
Essential Tools for Making This Casserole
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Baking dish: A rectangular or square dish used for baking casseroles and other dishes in the oven.
- Pastry cutter: A kitchen tool used to blend solid fat into flour when making pastry.
- Fork: A kitchen utensil with prongs used for mixing and serving food.
Storing and Freezing Your Casserole
- Let the french toast casserole cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For freezing, wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat the refrigerated casserole, remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- If reheating from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then cover the dish with fresh foil. Bake the frozen casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until it's heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up.
- For individual servings, you can slice the cooled casserole into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This allows you to reheat single servings as needed, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
- When reheating individual portions, unwrap the desired number of slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Reheating Leftover Overnight French Toast Casserole
To reheat leftover overnight french toast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. The microwave method is quicker but may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the casserole in a large skillet or griddle. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Cut the leftover casserole into individual portions and place them in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a piece of the casserole in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the casserole using a food thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume. If the casserole seems dry after reheating, drizzle some warm maple syrup over the top to add moisture and enhance the flavor.
Interesting Fact About Overnight French Toast Casserole
The French toast casserole is a popular breakfast dish that can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for busy mornings. It is a great way to use up leftover bread and can be customized with various toppings such as fresh fruits, nuts, or flavored syrups. This dish is a delicious and convenient option for feeding a crowd during brunch gatherings or special occasions.
Is Making This Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?
The overnight French toast casserole is a cost-effective option for a household. The use of simple ingredients like eggs, milk, and sourdough bread makes it budget-friendly. The versatility of this dish also allows for variations based on available ingredients, reducing the overall cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delightful taste.
Is This Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
While the overnight French toast casserole recipe sounds delicious, it is not the healthiest breakfast option. The recipe is high in sugar, fat, and calories due to the use of granulated sugar, half and half, butter, and maple syrup. The bread used in the recipe is also likely to be high in carbohydrates and low in fiber, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole grain bread instead of sourdough to increase the fiber content and slow down the absorption of sugar
- Replace half and half with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative to reduce the amount of saturated fat
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by using less granulated sugar and opting for a sugar-free or low-sugar maple syrup
- Use a smaller amount of butter or replace it with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or avocado oil
- Add fresh fruits, such as berries or sliced apples, to the casserole to increase the nutrient content and natural sweetness
- Serve the casserole with a side of protein, such as scrambled eggs or turkey sausage, to help balance out the meal and keep you feeling full and satisfied
Editor's Opinion on This Overnight French Toast Casserole
The overnight French toast casserole recipe is a delightful combination of classic flavors and a convenient make-ahead method. The use of sourdough bread adds a tangy depth, while the crumble topping provides a satisfying crunch. The dish strikes a perfect balance between creamy and custardy textures, making it a comforting and indulgent breakfast or brunch option. The addition of real maple syrup elevates the overall experience, adding a touch of natural sweetness. This recipe is a surefire way to impress guests or treat yourself to a special morning meal.
Enhance Your Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful French toast casserole experience. The combination of sourdough bread, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a rich, aromatic flavor. The use of real maple syrup adds a touch of authenticity. The crumble topping, made with brown sugar and cinnamon, provides a delightful crunch. The meticulous instructions ensure a perfectly set and cooked-through casserole. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail, and you'll be rewarded with a memorable breakfast or brunch dish.
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