Overnight French Toast Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Overnight French Toast Bake is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a comforting breakfast with minimal morning effort. Prepared the night before, it’s perfect for busy mornings or cozy weekend brunches. Warm, flavorful, and custardy, it’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 slices of bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Step 2: Arrange the bread slices in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to soak.
- Step 3: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
- Step 4: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the dish uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Step 5: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to soak up the custard better without becoming mushy.
- Add vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture for extra flavor.
- For a richer dish, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for part of the milk.
- Mix berries, nuts, or chocolate chips between the bread layers for added texture and taste.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This bake does not freeze well, as the texture may become soggy after thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brioche, challah, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread. Denser breads tend to hold the custard better and provide a richer texture.
How do I know when the French toast bake is fully cooked?
It’s done when the top is golden brown and puffed, and the custard has set without being liquid. Inserting a knife in the center should come out clean or with just moist crumbs.
PrintOvernight French Toast Bake Recipe
This Overnight French Toast Bake is a simple and delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole. Layers of bread soaked in a cinnamon and sugar egg mixture create a custardy, sweet, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy mornings. Refrigerated overnight and baked until puffed and golden, it’s an effortless way to impress family or guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups of bread, cubed (about 1 loaf, day-old or slightly stale works best)
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base of your casserole.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing the bread down so it soaks up the mixture well. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate overnight: Place the covered dish in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This soaking period allows the bread to absorb the custard deeply, developing rich flavor and texture.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the mixture is puffed, golden brown on top, and set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use slightly stale or day-old bread for best texture and absorption.
- Whole milk creates a richer custard, but you can substitute with 2% or non-dairy milk if preferred.
- You can add vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) or nutmeg to the custard for extra depth of flavor.
- This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and baked fresh in the morning.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Keywords: French toast bake, overnight breakfast casserole, baked French toast, cinnamon French toast, make-ahead breakfast
