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Overnight Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

A close-up of a square slice of French toast casserole with a thick, sugary cinnamon streusel topping.
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Prepare this make-ahead breakfast casserole the night before for a simple, warm, and satisfying brunch. It bakes into a soft, cinnamon-scented dish ready to serve.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) sturdy bread, such as challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  3. Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  6. Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chopped nuts, if using. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving warm with maple syrup.

Notes

  • Using slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
  • If you are short on time, you can bake this immediately after soaking for 30 minutes, but the texture will be less custardy.
  • Serve with fresh berries for added color and flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/french-toast-casserole-make-ahead-breakfast/