Description
This French toast casserole recipe creates the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays and special occasions. Overnight preparation delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
8 cups thick-cut bread, cubed (brioche or challah preferred)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3 tablespoons butter, cubed
Powdered sugar for serving
Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray
2. Arrange cubed bread evenly in prepared baking dish
3. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in large bowl
4. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked
5. Press bread gently with spoon to help absorption
6. Dot top with cubed butter pieces
7. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight
8. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking
9. Preheat oven to 350°F while casserole comes to room temperature
10. Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes
11. Check that center is set and top is golden brown
12. Let rest 10 minutes before serving
13. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup
Notes
Day-old bread works best for optimal absorption
Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead
Cover with foil if top browns too quickly
Internal temperature should reach 160°F for safety
Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3 days
Can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 145mg