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Prep this overnight French toast casserole the night before and bake in the morning! Easy, cozy, and perfect for holidays or brunch!
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Pin It NowWHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST
French toast is a classic breakfast favorite but standing at the stove flipping slices can take time, especially when you’re feeding your family on a busy morning or a crowd for brunch or a holiday breakfast.
That’s where this overnight baked French toast casserole comes in. It’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. You prep it the night before, let the bread soak up that sweet custard, then bake it in the morning for a warm- cinnamon breakfast that’s perfect for a weekday or Christmas or Easter morning!
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Hands-off prep: mix it up the night before and refrigerate. No early-morning prepping and cooking.
- Sweet and comforting: the bread soaks in that milk-egg combo and bakes soft in the center with a lightly crisp top.
- Family-friendly – top with any of your favorites: fresh fruit, maple syrup, or maybe even a dusting of powdered sugar.
There’s something comforting about doing a little prep ahead of time. It sets yourself up for a smoother morning and a better start to the day. This overnight French toast is one of those simple acts of care that pay off when you need it most, whether it’s a hectic morning getting the family out the door or a special brunch.
Sometimes comfort looks like breakfast already taken care of.
❤️ Ashley
ingredients
You’ll need just a few pantry staples to make this overnight French toast in the oven. The complete list of ingredients and amounts are in the comments below:
- Thick slices of bread – I like to use challah, brioche, Texas toast or French bread. My personal favorite bread aisle bread for French toast is Sara Lee Artisano. It’s thick and perfect for this if you don’t have fresh bakery bread on hand.
- Brown sugar + cinnamon – the ultimate duo for French toast!
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract – this adds a little something special and tastes delicious!
- Milk – I like to use whole milk, 2%, or even heavy whipping cream
- Maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar for toppings
Tips for the best overnight french toast
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread if you have it – if not, no big deal!
- Thick sliced bread works best – thin bread will fall apart.
how to make overnight French toast
- Prepare the pan: a 9×13 inch casserole dish works best. Spray it with a little non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar: I like to use about ⅔ cup light brown sugar along with 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon.
- Make the custard: milk, eggs, vanilla
- Layer the bread: place 5-6 slices of bread in the bottom of the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon mixture, then repeat a second time.
- Add custard then cover well.
- Refrigerate overnight
- Bake in the morning for the most delicious, simple easy French toast casserole for breakfast!
serving
This recipe is delicious on its own but you can elevate it with a few simple extras., Try serving with:
- Make some bacon or sausage (here’s my guide for making breakfast sausage in the air fryer!)
- Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, sliced peaches
- A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream cream.
Making breakfast or brunch for a crowd? Here are a few other suggestions to serve alongside this French toast:
I hope this recipe for Overnight French Toast makes your morning feel a little calmer, a little cozier, and a lot more taken care of! Enjoy!
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 10-12 slices bread – thick cut
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 large large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups milk or heavy whipping cream
- maple syrup, powdered sugar, sliced fruit for serving
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix together ⅔ cup brown sugar and 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, 1½ cups milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- Arrange 5–6 slices of thick bread in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the bread.
- Layer the remaining 5–6 slices of bread on top, then sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture.
- Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are moistened.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the French toast covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Serve warm with maple syrup.
