Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

The Overnight Baked French Toast enchants with its rich texture and comforting flavors. Golden challah cubes are immersed in a creamy blend of eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugars, and spices. Glazed with melted butter and dotted with raisins, this treat offers a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite.

I recently tried an overnight baked French toast recipe that completely changed my breakfast game. I used 1 loaf of challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes, 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.

The mixture of 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract gives it a rich, sweet flavor while a tablespoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt balance it out perfectly. I even added 1/2 cup melted butter to keep it moist and a few raisins if you’re in the mood for an extra hint of sweetness.

I love that its an easy French Toast Bake that can be prepped the night before, making it perfect for breakfast for a crowd. Its a fast and easy French Toast Breakfast that fits right into any busy morning routine.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how easy it is to prep the night before, letting the bread soak up all the sugary, cinnamon-y goodness so that each bite feels like a warm hug in the morning.

2. I really dig the mix of challah bread with those creamy eggs and milk – it makes the whole dish super rich and satisfying without being too heavy.

3. I always get excited about the hint of vanilla and the toppings of melted butter; it gives the recipe a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors that make my tastebuds do a happy dance.

4. I appreciate how versatile it is too – I can toss in some raisins if I feel fancy or just stick to the basics, and it never disappoints when I’m looking for a cozy, comforting breakfast option.

Ingredients

• Challah bread supplies soft carbs and a sweet base perfect for soaking up the custard.
• Eggs give protein and creaminess, making the dish rich and super flavorful.
• Whole milk adds moisture, calcium, and a smooth texture for a comforting bite.
• Heavy cream boosts richness and creates lusciously silky custard pockets throughout the casserole.
• Granulated sugar contributes sweetness and helps balance the savory egg and spice mix.
• Brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor, enhancing caramel notes when baked.
• Cinnamon gives a warm, spicy aroma that magically lifts the casserole and brightens its flavors.
• Raisins offer a burst of natural sweetness and chewy texture to further enhance flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf challah bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, about 10 cups)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• (Optional) 1/2 cup raisins

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish in advance.

2. Cut your challah bread into 1-inch cubes until you have about 10 cups and spread them evenly in the dish.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth.

4. Stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the egg mixture.

5. Slowly pour the mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked well.

6. If you like raisins, sprinkle 1/2 cup over the top then give it a gentle stir so they’re all tossed in.

7. Drizzle 1/2 cup melted butter evenly over the top of the mixture.

8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight so the bread absorbs all those yummy flavors.

9. The next day, bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes or until it’s puffed up and golden around the edges. Let it cool for few minutes before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (350°F)
2. 9×13-inch casserole dish (greased)
3. Knife and cutting board for cutting the challah bread
4. Large bowl for whisking eggs, milk, and cream
5. Whisk for mixing the liquid ingredients
6. Measuring cups and spoons for the various ingredients
7. Mixing spoon to stir in raisin if you choose to use them
8. Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter
9. Plastic wrap to cover the dish while it chills in the refrigerator
10. Refrigerator for overnight chilling before baking

FAQ

Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Challah bread: You can use brioche or even French bread if you dont have or cant find challah, though the texture might change a bit
• Whole milk: If you need a lighter option or a dairy free one, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk works ok
• Heavy cream: You can swap that with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy free alternative, it also gives a slight coconut taste
• Melted butter: Margarine or even a light vegetable oil can be used instead if you dont have butter
• Raisins: Dried cranberries or chopped dates can perfectly replace raisins if you want to mix things up

Pro Tips

1. Using day-old challah instead of super fresh bread can seriously boost your custard absorption so it doesn’t turn out too soggy.
2. Letting the dish chill in the fridge overnight is key cause that extra soaking time really brings all the flavors together.
3. If you’re into a twist, try toasting the raisins in a dry pan with a little extra cinnamon before adding them in; it gives a nice burst of flavor.
4. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking since ovens can act funny and you wanna make sure you don’t overbake it.