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Easy Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole

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A comforting and easy-to-make overnight baked French toast casserole perfect for brunch, featuring custardy soaked bread baked to golden perfection with cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 12 oz / 340 g) thick-cut challah or brioche bread, sliced (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half (or dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional add-ins:
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Zest of one orange

Instructions

  1. Slice challah or brioche into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pieces and arrange evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add optional nutmeg or orange zest if desired.
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage soaking.
  4. Scatter optional berries evenly over the top or tuck between bread slices.
  5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.
  6. Remove from fridge about 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Brush the top with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set (knife inserted in center should come out clean). Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to firm up and make slicing easier.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best soaking and texture. Room temperature eggs and milk help custard mix smoothly. Brush melted butter on top before baking for a golden crust. Cover tightly during soak to prevent drying or fridge odors. Baking times may vary; check doneness with a knife. Optional add-ins like berries, nutmeg, or orange zest add flavor twists. Leftovers store well in fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight baked French toast casserole, brunch recipe, easy French toast bake, cinnamon vanilla custard, challah French toast, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-overnight-baked-french-toast-casserole-perfect-for-brunch-recipes/