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Easy Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole Recipe for Busy Mornings

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A quick and easy French toast casserole that you prepare the night before and bake in the morning, perfect for busy mornings. It features a custardy texture with crispy edges and uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Cube the bread into 1-inch cubes. Use slightly stale bread if possible for better soaking. (10 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and frothy. (5 minutes)
  3. Place bread cubes in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to soak all pieces. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. (15 minutes)
  5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the soaked bread. (2 minutes)
  6. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until custard is set and top is golden brown. Test doneness with a knife or toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. (45-55 minutes)
  7. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with optional toppings. (10 minutes)

Notes

Do not skip the overnight soak to ensure custardy softness without sogginess. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let casserole come to room temperature before baking for even cooking. Use brioche or challah for best texture. For gluten-free, use sturdy gluten-free bread. For dairy-free or vegan, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and eggs with flax eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, cinnamon, brioche, challah, overnight soak

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-make-ahead-french-toast-casserole-recipe-for-busy-mornings/