Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

I crafted the Best Overnight French Toast Breakfast Casserole using French bread, eggs, whole milk, and a hint of vanilla along with cinnamon and nutmeg. This Healthy Overnight French Toast recipe is perfect for busy mornings, letting me enjoy a truly luxurious and fulfilling dish without the rush of traditional cooking.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen and this Overnight Breakfast Casserole blew my mind. Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm French toast flavor without so much as frying anything in the morning!

I mixed 8 large eggs with 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla extract. Then I tossed about 10 cups of cubed French bread with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, drizzling melted unsalted butter over it.

The granulated sugar adds just the right hint of sweetness that balances all the flavors perfectly. Its simplicity makes it a quick egg casserole that’s easy to make ahead while still being a healthy sweet breakfast casserole option.

I love how the flavors meld together overnight making it a perfect quick, premade breakfast that leaves you excited about morning meals every day.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really love how easy it is to prepare this recipe. I just mix all the eggs, milk, cream and spices, pour it over the bread cubes and let it sit overnight. In the morning, it’s all ready to bake and you get a delicious breakfast without any stress.
2. I like how the custard soaks into every little piece of bread. It makes every bite super creamy and flavorful, plus the hint of cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a warm, comforting taste.
3. This dish makes my mornings way better because I can prep it the night before. It saves me time when I’m in a rush and I always look forward to having a tasty start to my day.
4. I enjoy that it is a crowd pleaser. Whether it’s just for me or when my family gathers around, they all love the mix of crispy golden top and soft custard inside.

Ingredients

• French bread: It adds hearty carbs and a slight crunch for a tasty bite.
• Eggs: They give lots of protein and richness that helps everything bind together.
• Whole milk: Provides creaminess and calcium, boosting flavor and nutritional value.
• Heavy cream: Brings extra smoothness and indulgence to the casserole.
• Granulated sugar: Offers just the right sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Vanilla extract and spices: Create warm, inviting aromas that enhance every spoonful.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 French bread loaf (cubed, about 10 cups of bread cubes)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the pan)

How to Make this

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish really well using the nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a big bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half), 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg until it’s well combined.

3. Place the cubed French bread (about 10 cups) evenly in the prepared baking dish.

4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes making sure the bread gets soaked fully and evenly.

5. Drizzle the 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter over everything on top.

6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and put it in the refrigerator overnight so all the flavors blend together.

7. The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature.

8. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for around 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top turns golden brown.

9. Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Cut generous portions and serve warm, enjoy your delicious, easy to make French Toast Breakfast Casserole!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven for preheating and baking
2. 9×13 baking dish
3. Nonstick cooking spray
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Cutting board and knife (for cutting the French bread)
8. Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
9. Refrigerator (for the overnight chill)
10. Oven mitts for safe handling of the hot dish

FAQ

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• French bread loaf: You can try sourdough or challah instead of French bread when you cant get a fresh loaf.
• Whole milk: If you’re out of whole milk, go with 2% milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a similar texture.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: A mix of whole milk and a little melted butter can work in place of heavy cream if you need a lighter option.
• Granulated sugar: Brown sugar or even coconut sugar can be used instead of the granulated sugar if you want a bit of a twist in flavor.
• Unsalted butter: If unsalted butter is hard to come by, you can use salted butter or a neutral oil like canola oil, but keep in mind the flavor might change slightly.

Pro Tips

1. Use day-old bread if you can because it soaks up the custard way better than fresh bread, which might be too soft.
2. Let the mixture sit long enough so that all the flavors really meld together; if you dont have all night, try letting it rest for at least an hour at room temp.
3. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar on top before baking to get a nice crunchy crust during the bake.
4. When mixing your custard ingredients, mix just enough to combine them so you dont end up with too many air bubbles that can make the dish runny.