This Overnight French Toast Casserole has been such a success at home. It is so comforting and delicious. The best part of this recipe is the convenience: you prepare the casserole in advance, and you can enjoy a hassle-free breakfast. Letting the casserole sit for the night helps the bread fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a rich, moist center with crispy, golden edges.
Are you after easier but delicious breakfast recipes? Then you should try these recipes, Turkey Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, Ham and Egg Cups, this Savory Dutch Baby, and these Sheet Pan Pancakes.
The best bread for an overnight French toast casserole is something that can hold its shape and texture after soaking overnight. I recommend using a baguette or French loaf. Try sourdough for a more rustic twist if you prefer a heartier flavor.
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Porcelain 9×13 Large Oval Au Gratin Pan, White
Why I Love This Recipe
- This recipe feeds a crowd
- It has the gorgeous flavors of apple and cinnamon
- Perfect for Thanksgiving and the holidays but great year round too
- Easy overnight casserole
- Simple to make
- Frees up time in the morning
French Toast Casserole Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients
French Bread – Any crusty bread would work here. Those absorb the custard without ending up soggy. Stale bread works best or after cutting into squares then lightly toast.
Eggs – Ensure eggs are at room temperature for smoother blending with other ingredients.
Brown sugar – Any type of sugar would work. But if you’re out of brown sugar, you can get a similar flavor by mixing granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses.
Milk – Full-fat dairy will provide a creamier texture, while lighter milk may result in a slightly less rich dish.
Vanilla extract – For a more intense vanilla flavor, Swap with vanilla bean paste or the seeds from a vanilla pod. In a pinch, use maple syrup for a subtle twist on sweetness.
Ground cinnamon – This is the queen of the recipe; you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra autumn taste.
Apples – Use any type of apple you like, though Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp work best due to their balance of sweetness and tartness.
All-purpose flour – For gluten-free alternatives use gluten-free flour blends or even almond flour for a nuttier texture.
Unsalted butter – This is used for the topping; make sure it is cold to achieve a nice crumble.
Salt – Use the one you have on hand. Sea salt and Kosher salt are my first choices.
How to make French Toast Casserole
First, chop the bread into bite-size pieces. Core the apples but do not peel them, and chop them into bite-size cubes. Set them aside while you prepare the egg custard.
Whisk the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Set aside for the moment.
Soak the bread cubes into the egg custard mixture. Make sure the bread is evenly coated.
Next, grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter.
Place soaked bread into the prepared baking dish, mix in apple cubes and toss to combine. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the casserole and drop chopped butter over it.
Finally, cover it with aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight.
On the next morning, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the casserole uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the egg custard has set.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. My favorite add-ons when serving this casserole are powdered sugar, maple syrup, and ice cream. The warm and cool contrast is fantastic.
How To Store French Toast Casserole
First, allow the baked French toast to cool down to room temperature before storing. Then, use plastic wrap or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three to four days.
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. For the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Can you make an Overnight French Toast on the same day?
Of course, sitting overnight is optional. You can just bake it right after you assemble it. My recommendation is to let it sit for at least an hour for the bread to absorb the custard well.
What to Serve with French Toast Bake
You can add your favorite toppings; here are some ideas:
– Maple syrup: my personal choice!
– Fresh berries: they balance out the sweetness of this casserole or try this Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing.
– Ice cream: go for a vanilla ice cream for best results.
– Whipped cream: it works wonderfully for added creaminess.
– Chopped nuts: for a crunchy bite.
Recipe Pro Tips!
Can you Freeze Overnight French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze French toast casserole! Follow these tips!
Freezing Before Baking:
- Follow the steps of the recipe up to the point where you finish with the toppings.
- Then, use plastic wrap to cover the casserole and an external cover with aluminum foil for better conservation.
- Write the date on it and freeze it. It will be safe to eat for the next 2-3 months.
When Ready to Bake:
- Before baking the casserole, you’ll need to thaw it completely. I prefer doing this overnight instead of using the microwave, as it could make the custard cook and develop a weird texture.
- Once completely thawed. Follow the baking steps of the recipe.
Freezing After Baking:
- If you have leftovers to freeze, let them cool completely.
- Then, separate it into portions if desired, making it easier to thaw and reheat in smaller servings.
- Cover each portion with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F.
- For the entire casserole: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350 for about 20-30 minutes.
WANT MORE BRUNCH RECIPES TO FEED A CROWD?
I love to make an easy casserole like this for the holidays. Here are some more of our favorites for feeding a crowd.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Video
Ingredients
- 12 oz baguette Stale bread works best or after cutting into squares then lightly toast.
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 gala apples
Streusel topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
For the casserole
- First, chop the bread into bite-size pieces. Then, core the apples and chop them unpeeled into bite-size pieces too. Set them aside while you prepare the egg custard.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and salt in a large bowl.
- Soak the bread cubes into the egg custard mixture. Make sure the bread is evenly coated. Then mix in the apples
For the topping
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl. Set it aside for now.
Casserole assembly
- Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter. Place soaked bread and apples into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar topping mixture on top of the casserole and drop butter over it. I cut each tablespoon into about 6 pieces with my fingers but you can dice it too.
- Finally, cover it with aluminium foil and refrigerate it overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375F and bake the casserole uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg custard has set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Use your favorite toppings to make this casserole even better.
Comments & Reviews
Trish says
Delish – just the right amount of sweetness
Karen says
Delicious! Love the apples in this.
Janet says
Absolutely loved it! Such a great make ahead casserole for brunch!
Debbie says
Can I make this casserole 2 days before serving
Tara Noland says
I would say no, the recommended time is 24 hours.
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground says
I just love that this can be prepared the night before. That makes for such an easy morning!
Serena says
This looks heavenly love a dessert for breakfast kind of meal!
Manila Spoon (Abigail) says
I just made some apple crisp and what a delicious idea to make french toast casserole inspired by it! I can imagine this to be such a huge crowd pleaser! Yum!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I just love breakfast recipes like these! Such a delicious fall option!
Gabriel says
If I could have only one fruit, it would be apples for sure. There are endless ways to eat (and drink) them!
Janelle says
You had me at streusel. I can’t pass up any food with the word streusel especially when paired with apples! YUM!
Lori Vachon says
This looks like a spectacular weekend breakfast, almost dessert-like which is just fine with me! 🙂
Dawn gibson-thigpen says
yummmm. i love when there is tons of crust.
Sarah says
Again apple, o yes, it’s a must try. Brandon will love this!
Nancy @ whispered inspirations says
That looks so delicious! This is a great recipe to make with all the apples we picked last week! Thanks!
Lovefoodies says
Love how easy and convenient this recipe is. Sounds delish!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Wow! That looks so good! I love apple recipes especially this time of year. What a great breakfast idea!
Cathi Crismon says
Wow! Everything looks so delicious. Love apples so I’ll have to try these for sure.
Dawn Lopez says
I’ve made overnight french toast before and I was wondering about adding apples to it next time. I never thought about the streusel topping though. That’s genius!