Name: Overnight French Toast Casserole for Cozy French Recipes Mornings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups); 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

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I’ve made a lot of breakfast casseroles in my day, but this one? It’s hands-down the one I turn to when I want zero stress the next morning. This overnight French toast casserole captures everything I love about comfort food—it’s warm, soft in the middle, golden on top, and smells like home. And the best part? I do all the work the night before, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to a breakfast that basically cooks itself. If you’re a fan of French recipes or you find joy in that cozy flavor of Homemade French Onion Soup, this baked beauty will feel like a gentle hug. There’s a lot to love here—rich custard-soaked bread, a buttery brown sugar topping, and that first whiff when it comes out of the oven. It reminds me of those comforting, slow mornings with no agenda but coffee and calm. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a slice of peace and quiet, this dish delivers. It’s like French Onion Soup Chicken had brunch with the Best French Onion Soup—and this casserole showed up to steal the spotlight. You won’t regret it.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Overnight French Toast Casserole
4) How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
5) Tips for Making Overnight French Toast Casserole
6) Making Overnight French Toast Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Overnight French Toast Casserole
8) Try these breakfast recipes next!
9) Overnight French Toast Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This overnight French toast casserole is warm, soft, and ready to bake in the morning.
It uses basic pantry ingredients and saves time for breakfast or brunch.
Perfect for holidays, guests, or just a no-fuss morning meal.
You can easily customize it with berries, nuts, or flavored syrups.

2) Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

I’ve made dozens of French recipes through the years, but this one holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s cozy, simple, and feels like a warm hug in the morning. What’s not to love about waking up and already having breakfast done?

French recipes don’t need to be complicated. This casserole is built with simple steps, everyday ingredients, and a flavor that reminds me of slow mornings when nobody’s rushing anywhere. We prep it the night before, which means more time for coffee and less time standing over a stove.

Whether you’re making it for family or a solo treat, it hits that sweet spot between comfort and ease. It’s like Baked French Onion Soup, but sweet and breakfast-ready. Want to impress guests without breaking a sweat? This one’s your ace.

3) Ingredients for Overnight French Toast Casserole

French Bread: A whole loaf of French bread brings that chewy texture and holds up overnight without turning soggy. Day-old bread is even better.

Eggs: Eight large eggs make the custard rich and creamy. They bind everything together for a fluffy, golden bake.

Whole Milk: The full-fat kind adds a smooth finish and keeps the bread moist without being too heavy.

Heavy Cream: Just a little gives the dish that luxurious texture we love in French recipes.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the custard and balances the richness.

Vanilla Extract: It brings a soft warmth and depth to the flavor. I never skip it.

Ground Cinnamon: For that cozy aroma and taste that makes your whole house smell like brunch.

Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the other flavors and rounds it all out.

Butter: Softened butter in the topping gives you those golden, crispy bites on top.

Brown Sugar: This adds a caramel note and a bit of crunch. Pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.

Nutmeg (Optional): A little goes a long way if you like a hint of spice in the background.

4) How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole

Step 1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside. This helps keep things from sticking and gives you easy cleanup later.

Step 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure it’s smooth and blended well.

Step 3. Pour the egg mixture all over the bread cubes. Press the bread down gently so it soaks in. Don’t mash it, just let it get comfy.

Step 4. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. You want that bread to soak in every drop of custard. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 5. In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats, mix your butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to make the topping.

Step 6. Drop spoonfuls of the topping across the casserole. Don’t worry about being precise—randomness makes for perfect bites.

Step 7. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a set center. Your kitchen will smell like heaven by now.

5) Tips for Making Overnight French Toast Casserole

Use stale bread. I’ve found that slightly stale bread soaks better and doesn’t fall apart. French toast casseroles love structure.

Don’t rush the soak. Letting it rest overnight helps build flavor and ensures that custard gets deep into the bread. If you’re tight on time, try to give it at least two hours.

Customize the topping. Sometimes I throw in chopped pecans or drizzle maple syrup just before baking. You can make it your own—there’s room to play.

6) Making Overnight French Toast Casserole Ahead of Time

This dish was born to be prepped ahead. That’s its entire charm. You assemble everything the night before, then go about your morning while it bakes.

If you’ve got guests coming, it’s one less thing to worry about. You get to sip your coffee instead of juggling eggs and bread in the morning rush.

French recipes shine when you don’t overthink them. Just use good bread, a solid custard, and give it time to soak. That’s the whole trick.

7) Storing Leftover Overnight French Toast Casserole

Once it cools, slice what’s left and pop it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for three to four days.

When reheating, I like using the oven or toaster oven. The microwave works, but you won’t get the crisp top back.

French recipes like this one age well. A day or two later, it still tastes like breakfast gold, maybe even better than day one.

8) Try these breakfast recipes next!

9) Overnight French Toast Casserole