Description
This French Toast Casserole is a comforting overnight breakfast dish featuring buttery bread soaked in a rich custard and topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumble. Perfect for making ahead, it’s ideal for brunch gatherings or family mornings, offering a deliciously indulgent twist on classic French toast.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
French Toast
- 1 (24-ounce) loaf sourdough bread (or brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and evenly scatter them in a greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish.
- Make the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
- Prepare the topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly. Transfer the crumbly topping to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble and bake: Uncover the casserole, sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread, and bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with syrup or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Make ahead of time: This dish can be prepped up to the baking stage and frozen with the topping stored separately. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Freezing: Leftovers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- Variations: Add cooked bacon, cheese, or fruit to customize your casserole. For a sweeter touch, incorporate sliced apples or berries into the bread layer before soaking.
- Ensure the custard is evenly poured and bread is fully soaked for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
