Overnight French Toast Casserole
There’s something magical about waking up to a warm, comforting breakfast that practically makes itself overnight. This Overnight French Toast Casserole is exactly that kind of recipe — a simple yet indulgent dish that combines fluffy challah or brioche bread cubes soaked in a rich custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with your favorite crunchy nuts and savory turkey bacon. Whether it’s for a special weekend brunch or a cozy holiday morning, this casserole brings sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This Overnight French Toast Casserole quickly becomes a favorite because it’s:
- Effortless: Prep it the night before, then pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Customizable: Easily swap nuts, add fruit, or switch up the topping to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Comforting: The warm custardy bread with a hint of cinnamon instantly feels like a hug on a plate.
- Deliciously balanced: Sweet maple syrup meets buttery bread and a crunchy topping — a match made in breakfast heaven.
If you love recipes that come together with minimal fuss but deliver big on flavor, this casserole will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation — right alongside favorites like Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Cake and Caramel Pecan Pear Galette.
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (for topping, optional)
Gear Checklist
- 9×13-inch baking dish — roomy enough for bread cubes to soak and bake evenly
- Large mixing bowl — for whisking eggs and milk
- Whisk or fork — to combine custard ingredients smoothly
- Measuring cups and spoons — for precise ingredient amounts
- Knife and cutting board — to cube the bread
- Skillet (if cooking turkey bacon) — for crisping the topping
Overnight French Toast Casserole, Made Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut your challah or brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes evenly into your 9×13-inch baking dish. Using challah or brioche ensures a soft, slightly sweet base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth. The cinnamon and vanilla add warm, cozy notes that elevate the dish.
Step 3: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down lightly on the bread to make sure it absorbs the custard fully. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. This soaking step is key for that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add the Toppings and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the soaked bread to add crunch and nuttiness. If you’re using turkey bacon, cook it until crispy, crumble it over the casserole for a savory contrast that complements the sweetness.
Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The edges will crisp slightly while the inside stays soft and custardy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup or fresh fruit on the side for a complete breakfast experience.
Dietary Customizations
- Dairy-free: Substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free option.
- Nut-free: Omit the chopped walnuts or pecans, or replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Sweetener swap: Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Protein boost: Add cooked turkey sausage or omit the bacon for a leaner topping.
- Fruit additions: Fold in fresh berries or sliced apples before baking for added texture and flavor.
Flavor Logic
The beauty of this Overnight French Toast Casserole lies in the balance of flavors and textures:
- Challah or brioche bread: Their tender crumb and subtle sweetness soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Maple syrup and brown sugar: Layered sweetness with a hint of caramel that caramelizes on top as it bakes.
- Ground cinnamon and vanilla: Warm spices that evoke classic breakfast comfort.
- Crunchy nuts: Add texture contrast and a toasty flavor.
- Turkey bacon topping: A savory crunch that cuts through the sweetness and adds depth.
The overnight soak is essential — it allows the bread to absorb all the custard flavors so every bite is rich and satisfying. This thoughtful combination of ingredients makes this casserole a standout dish perfect for sharing.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
You can easily make this casserole ahead of time and store it safely:
- Refrigerate: Cover and keep leftover casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Prepping this casserole in advance makes mornings stress-free, especially during busy weekdays or holiday brunches.
Ask the Chef
Can I use other types of bread besides challah or brioche?
Absolutely! While challah and brioche provide the best texture and sweetness for this casserole, you can substitute with other soft breads like French bread or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or toast the bread cubes lightly to avoid sogginess.
Is turkey bacon necessary, or can I skip it?
Turkey bacon is optional and adds a nice smoky, savory element to balance the sweetness. You can omit it entirely or swap it for a vegetarian bacon alternative, or even crispy sausage if you prefer.
Can I prepare this casserole without overnight soaking?
While soaking overnight achieves the best custardy texture, you can let it soak for at least 2 hours if you’re pressed for time. The longer the soak, the better the bread absorbs the custard.
What’s the best way to add fruit to this casserole?
Fresh berries or sliced apples work beautifully. Add them gently to the bread cubes before pouring over the custard. This ensures the fruit is evenly distributed and bakes in without turning mushy.
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Ready, Set, Cook
Gather your ingredients and gear, set aside some time the night before, and let this Overnight French Toast Casserole do the work while you sleep. The next morning, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and maple, a golden-baked casserole that’s both elegant and comforting. Serve it up with a drizzle of extra maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for a breakfast that feels like a celebration.
With its simple prep, customizable options, and delightful flavors, this casserole is sure to become your go-to dish for brunches, holidays, or anytime you want an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. So don’t wait—grab that loaf of challah or brioche, and start soaking your way to breakfast bliss tonight!
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Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut your challah or brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes evenly into your 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard fully. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the soaked bread. If using turkey bacon, cook until crispy, then crumble over casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and custard is set. The edges will be slightly crisp.
- Let casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup or fresh fruit if desired.
Notes
- Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Omit nuts or use seeds for a nut-free alternative.
- Add fresh berries or sliced apples before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
