Overnight French Toast Casserole is a make-ahead breakfast or brunch favorite that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or weekend mornings. Cubes of bread are soaked in a sweet custard overnight and baked until golden and fluffy, topped with a delicious cinnamon sugar crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepped the night before for an easy morning
Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
Warm, comforting, and flavorful
Great for holidays and special occasions
Can be customized with toppings or mix-ins
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Makes your kitchen smell amazing
Can be prepped in advance and baked fresh
Leftovers store well
Perfect for meal prep

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French bread or brioche, cubed
Eggs
Milk
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Salt
Butter

directions

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and add the cubed bread.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing lightly to make sure the bread absorbs the liquid.
Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if desired.
Bake for 45–55 minutes or until golden and set.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: Overnight (at least 6 hours)
Bake Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: About 7 hours (including chilling)

Variations

Add fresh berries or sliced bananas between the bread layers
Use flavored creamers or different extracts like almond
Add chopped nuts or raisins
Use challah or croissants for a richer texture
Swap the cinnamon sugar topping for a streusel crumble

storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this without letting it sit overnight?

Yes, but the texture may not be as rich. Letting it soak at least a few hours is recommended.

What type of bread is best?

Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah work best for soaking up the custard.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk, cream, and butter alternatives.

Can I freeze this before baking?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The casserole should be puffed and golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

What can I serve it with?

Fresh fruit, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream are great options.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes, just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Do I need to cover it while baking?

No, bake uncovered for a crisp top. If it browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.

Can I make it sweeter?

Yes, adjust the sugar to taste or add a sweet topping like caramel drizzle.

How long can it sit before baking?

Up to 24 hours in the fridge before baking is fine.

Conclusion

Overnight French Toast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that combines the cozy flavors of traditional French toast with the ease of a casserole. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for feeding a group—just pop it in the oven in the morning and enjoy a delicious, stress-free start to your day.