Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe for Perfect Easter Morning
An easy, make-ahead French toast casserole soaked overnight for a custardy texture with a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping, perfect for Easter morning or any special breakfast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (about 12 ounces / 340 grams) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
- ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Optional: powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Cube the brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread on a baking sheet and air-dry for about 30 minutes if bread is very fresh.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Place bread cubes in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread, pressing gently to soak. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden and custard is set (knife inserted comes out clean).
- Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Use day-old brioche or challah for best texture. If using fresh bread, dry it in a low oven for 10-15 minutes before soaking. Do not skip the overnight soak for best custardy texture. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly. Let casserole rest before slicing for easier serving. Can be made dairy-free by substituting almond milk and vegan butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8 of the cas
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, Easter breakfast, easy French toast, custard soaked bread, cinnamon sugar topping, make-ahead breakfast