Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole
By
Holley Grainger |
Published:
Dec 13, 2019 | Latest updated:
Dec 17, 2019
Whether for Christmas breakfast or a brunch gathering, Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole with pecans and streusel topping is a delicious and easy make-ahead casserole recipe.
While the holidays may be stressful, you can rest assured that your Christmas morning meal doesn’t have to be. That’s because this make-ahead French toast recipe can be whipped up the day before in just 15 minutes, refrigerated overnight and then baked for 45 minutes.
Decadent and delicious, this company French toast is studded with pecans and topped with a simple cinnamon streusel topping. After just one bite, I have a feeling your family will be begging you to make it for breakfast every Christmas morning.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
To make baked French toast casserole, start by tearing a loaf of crusty (unsliced) bread into bite-sized pieces. I like using a loaf of day-old French bread but Italian bread, sourdough bread and even cinnamon bread are all delicious options. If desired, top the bread with chopped pecans for a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Next, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, half and half and spices until completely combined. Pour this mixture over the bread and then gently toss the bread in the mixture to ensure that it is evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 2 hours).
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven then make the crumble topping. I think it is easiest to use a pasty cutter, a fork or even my hands to combine the butter with the dry ingredients (brown sugar, flour and cinnamon). Sprinkle the soaked bread with the cinnamon topping and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it is ready when the egg mixture is set and the casserole is puffy and golden brown.
Which Toppings Should I Use on French Toast Casserole?
Honestly, there is so much flavor in this dish that you don’t necessarily need to top it with anything. However, I love it paired with maple syrup, powdered sugar, freshly sliced strawberries, blueberries and/or DIY Whipped Cream. The options are endless! What do you like on your French Toast?
Baked Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe:
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Christmas Morning Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Author: Holley Grainger
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Description
Whether for Christmas morning or a brunch gathering with friends, Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole is a deliciously simple make-ahead breakfast casserole. Prepare this company French toast casserole the day before, refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning for stress-free breakfast or brunch.
Scale
Ingredients
Casserole
1 (1-pound) French bread loaf (day-old bread preferred)
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (optional)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup half and half
½ cup sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
Topping:
½ cup light packed brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 Tbsp cold butter, cubed
Instructions
Tear bread into small pieces and place in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle evenly with pecans.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, half and half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Whisk until combined. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread, stir gently to ensure bread is coated and cover. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to eat:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut butter into flour mixture and mix until resembling small crumbs; sprinkle over bread.
Bake for another 40 to 45 minutes until cooked through, puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar and fresh fruit, if desired.
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