Overnight French Toast Casserole

Some mornings call for the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug before the day even begins. That’s exactly what this overnight French toast casserole does for me.

It started as a weekend experiment when I wanted the flavor of classic French toast but without standing by the stove flipping slices one by one.

I wanted all that soft, buttery richness baked together — warm, golden, and ready to share straight from the oven.

I still remember the first time I pulled this casserole out of the oven, its edges puffed and crisp, the middle soft like custard, and that sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon filling the house.

It felt special — the kind of breakfast that makes everyone slow down for a minute and just enjoy being at the table.

Now it’s a regular in my kitchen, especially when family visits or I want breakfast that feels a little extra without any morning rush.

This casserole soaks overnight, letting every piece of bread drink up the creamy custard before baking into a soft, tender dish that’s lightly golden on top.

A drizzle of syrup, a few berries, and a pat of butter finish it off just right. It’s warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying — the kind of breakfast that stays with you long after the plates are empty.

Table of Contents

Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 12–14 slices, slightly stale is best)
6 large eggs
2 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

For Topping (Optional But Recommended)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

To Serve

Maple syrup
Fresh blueberries or any berries of your choice
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Slice the bread into thick cubes (about 1½-inch pieces) and spread evenly in the dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets soaked. Gently press down on the bread with the back of a spoon so it absorbs the mixture evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours). This helps the bread fully absorb the custard, making it soft and rich after baking.
In the morning, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
For the topping, stir together melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then drizzle it over the top of the casserole before baking.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, drizzle warm maple syrup, and add a few fresh blueberries for a perfect finish.

What Type Of Bread Works Best For Overnight French Toast Casserole?

The bread you use makes a big difference in the texture and taste of your casserole. For this recipe, the goal is to get a rich, slightly custardy inside and a lightly crisp top.

Brioche Bread: This is the top choice because it’s soft, buttery, and absorbs the custard perfectly without turning soggy.
Challah Bread: Another excellent option with a tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla and cinnamon.
French Bread: Great if you prefer a firmer texture. It holds up well to soaking and gives a slightly chewy bite.
Slightly Stale Bread: Fresh bread can fall apart when soaked overnight, so use bread that’s a day or two old for the perfect balance.

Why Should The Casserole Be Refrigerated Overnight?

Letting the casserole rest in the fridge overnight isn’t just about saving time—it deeply improves the flavor and texture. Here’s why it matters:

Better Absorption: The bread gets enough time to soak up the custard mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar evenly, making every bite soft and rich instead of dry.
Improved Texture: Slow soaking helps the inside turn creamy and tender while the top bakes into a light golden crust.
Enhanced Flavor: The vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar blend beautifully overnight, giving a deeper, more balanced taste.
Time Saver: It’s convenient for busy mornings—prepare it the night before and simply bake it fresh in the morning.
Shorter Soaking Option: If you’re in a hurry, chilling for at least 4–5 hours can still give good results, but overnight soaking delivers the most perfect texture.

How To Prevent The Casserole From Becoming Soggy?

No one likes a wet, mushy texture in a breakfast bake, so here are a few simple ways to keep it perfect:

Use The Right Bread: Choose thick, sturdy slices like brioche, challah, or French bread that can hold up to the custard.
Don’t Overpour Custard: Make sure the bread is soaked evenly but not swimming in liquid.
Bake Long Enough: The center should be set but still soft; underbaking can make it soggy.
Avoid Covering While Baking: Baking uncovered lets the top crisp up and prevents excess moisture from trapping inside.

Can You Make This Overnight French Toast Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you absolutely can, and that’s what makes this recipe so helpful for busy mornings or special occasions. Preparing it ahead allows you to relax while still serving a warm, homemade breakfast.

Prepare The Night Before: Assemble the casserole completely—layer the bread, pour the custard, and cover it tightly before refrigerating overnight. This gives the bread time to soak up all the creamy mixture.
Bake Fresh In The Morning: When ready to bake, take the dish out of the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes while preheating the oven. Add your topping right before baking for a crisp, golden finish.
Two-Day Option: You can prepare it up to two days in advance. Just make sure it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh and prevent the bread from drying out.
Perfect For Gatherings: It’s a great choice for holidays, brunches, or when guests stay overnight—no morning prep, just bake and serve.

What Are The Best Toppings For French Toast Casserole?

Toppings bring color and extra flavor to every serving. Here are some ideas that go perfectly with the soft, rich base:

Fresh Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries add a bright, juicy balance.
Butter And Maple Syrup: A classic topping that melts beautifully over the warm casserole.
Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusting the top makes it look lovely and adds gentle sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Perfect for brunch or special occasions when you want a creamy finish.

Can You Prepare A Smaller Or Larger Batch?

Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe based on your needs.

For A Smaller Batch: Halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish.
For A Larger Batch: Double everything and bake in a bigger casserole dish.
Baking Tip: Keep an eye on baking time; smaller dishes may need less time, and larger ones might take longer.

How To Store Overnight French Toast Casserole?

Proper storage keeps your casserole just as delicious even after a day or two.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Cut into individual portions, wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Thawing: Let frozen portions thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm throughout.