Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making a French toast casserole overnight, you’re missing out! Seriously, it’s like the breakfast fairy sprinkled magic all over your morning. I remember the first time I made it for a lazy Sunday brunch with my friends. I prepped everything the night before, and when I pulled it out of the oven the next day, the smell was heavenly! The warm, cinnamon-sugar aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity—just toss everything together and let it sit overnight. You get all the cozy flavors of traditional French toast, but with zero morning stress. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for family gatherings or holiday breakfasts!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of bread, cut into cubes (about 10-12 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Make sure to grab everything on this list before you start, so you can whip up this delicious French toast casserole overnight without any last-minute dashes to the store! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, let’s get your baking dish ready! I usually use a 9×13-inch baking dish for this recipe, but any similar size will do. Just make sure it’s greased well with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent any sticking and keeps your casserole nice and intact when you slice it up. Once it’s greased, toss those cubed pieces of bread right into the dish, spreading them out evenly. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s whip up that egg mixture. Start by cracking those six large eggs into the bowl, then add in the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using a whisk, mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Trust me, you want to make sure those eggs are fully incorporated with no stray yolks hanging out—this ensures every bite of your casserole is creamy and delicious!
Step 3: Combine and Refrigerate
Once your egg mixture is good to go, pour it evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Make sure all that bread is doused with the egg goodness! Then, drizzle the melted butter on top for that extra richness. After that, cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is the best part—let the flavors meld together while you sleep!
Step 4: Baking the Casserole
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes while the oven heats up. This helps it bake evenly. Then, pop it in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible—trust me, you won’t be able to wait to dig in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea for one slice of this delicious French toast casserole:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 8g
This casserole is a comforting way to start your day, and with these numbers in mind, you can enjoy it without a hint of guilt. Just remember, balance is key!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—just mix, pour, and refrigerate!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or holiday gatherings.
- Rich, comforting flavors that everyone will love.
- Can be customized with your favorite toppings or fruit additions.
- No stress in the morning; it’s all ready to go when you wake up!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread: It’s best to use bread that’s a day or two old; it soaks up the egg mixture better and prevents sogginess.
- Mix well: Don’t skimp on whisking the egg mixture! A thorough mix ensures every bite is flavorful and creamy.
- Add fruit: Toss in some berries or sliced bananas for a fresh twist! They’ll add a burst of flavor and color.
- Check for doneness: If the top browns quickly, cover it lightly with foil to prevent burning while the inside cooks through.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely for slicing.
Variations
One of the best things about this French toast casserole overnight is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up based on your taste or what you have on hand. For a fruity twist, consider adding fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries right into the mix. You could also slice up some bananas for a sweet, caramelized flavor when baked. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a decadent touch!
Don’t forget about spices! If you want to get a bit more exotic, add a pinch of cardamom or some pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flair. You can even swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this French toast casserole overnight, don’t hold back! Drizzling some warm maple syrup on top is a must for that classic touch. You can also sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar for a lovely, sweet finish. If you want to elevate it a bit, fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even a dollop of whipped cream makes a delightful addition. And if you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a well-rounded breakfast that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I doubt!), storing them properly is key to keeping that deliciousness intact. First, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also pop individual slices in the microwave for a quick reheat—just be sure to cover them to avoid drying out. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use stale bread for this recipe? Absolutely! In fact, day-old or stale bread works best as it soaks up the egg mixture without getting too soggy. Just make sure it’s not moldy!
How long can I refrigerate the casserole? You can refrigerate it overnight, but if you need to, it can sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh!
Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes! Simply use gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so no worries there!
What if I don’t have nutmeg? If you don’t have nutmeg on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a little extra cinnamon or even allspice for a different flavor profile.
Can this be made vegan? You can definitely make a vegan version by using plant-based milk, flax eggs, and a vegan butter substitute. Just adjust the recipe accordingly!
Print
French Toast Casserole Overnight: 4 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy overnight French toast casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cut into cubes
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Place the bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes.
- Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve with syrup or powdered sugar.
- Can add fruits like berries or bananas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: French toast, casserole, overnight, breakfast
