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Make-Ahead Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole

Close-up of a thick slice of baked french toast topped with a rich cinnamon streusel topping.
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Prepare this easy baked French toast casserole the night before for a stress-free, delicious morning. It bakes up custardy inside with crispy edges, perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or on holiday mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) thick-cut bread, such as brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. This creates your rich custard base.
  3. Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
  4. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the custard completely.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, the center is set (no longer jiggly), and the topping is golden brown.
  9. Let the baked French toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use slightly stale or day-old bread; this prevents the bread from becoming too mushy when soaking.
  • If you need a same-day bake, let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, though overnight soaking yields superior results.
  • Serve this easy brunch idea with maple syrup and fresh berries for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/baked-french-toast-casserole-recipe/