Easy Overnight French Toast

Easy Overnight French Toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays, brunches, or busy mornings. With a rich custard base soaked into soft bread and a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, this dish bakes up golden, fluffy, and full of warm flavor. Just prep the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient make-ahead prep saves time in the morning
• Warm, cinnamon-scented custard-soaked bread is cozy and satisfying
• Feeds a group easily—great for brunch or holidays
• Customizable with fruits, nuts, or different types of bread
• Crispy, buttery topping adds texture and sweetness

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Butter for greasing

Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Add bread cubes to the dish in an even layer.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour mixture over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the liquid.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Combine topping ingredients in a bowl and mix until crumbly.
8. Sprinkle topping over the soaked bread.
9. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
10. Let cool slightly and serve warm with maple syrup or fresh fruit.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight)
• Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
• Total Time: about 9 hours

Variations

• Use challah or brioche for a richer texture
• Add fresh berries or sliced bananas between the bread layers
• Mix chopped nuts into the topping for extra crunch
• Use pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon for a fall twist
• Substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free options

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat slices in the microwave or covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through
• Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat as needed

FAQs

Can I make this with different bread?

Yes, brioche, challah, or Texas toast all work beautifully.

What if I forget to prep it the night before?

You can still make it—just soak the bread for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and a non-dairy cream or full-fat coconut milk.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. Reduce both sugars by ¼ cup or use a sugar substitute.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be set and a knife inserted should come out clean.

Can I add fruit to the casserole?

Yes, layer in sliced bananas, blueberries, or chopped apples before baking.

What toppings go well with this?

Maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Can I prepare the topping the night before too?

Yes, store it separately in the fridge and sprinkle it on before baking.

Is it okay to use pre-sliced sandwich bread?

Yes, but the texture will be softer—thicker bread holds up better.

Can I make this in a smaller batch?

Definitely—halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish.

Conclusion

Easy Overnight French Toast is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that makes mornings easier and tastier. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or a relaxing weekend breakfast, this sweet, custardy casserole is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

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