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 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.
Helpful Items For This Recipe
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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.
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 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 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.
Pin it HERE!!
Pin it HERE!!
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 oz baguette
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 gala apples
Streusel topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 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 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.
For the topping
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl. Set it aside for now.
- Soak the bread cubes into the egg custard mixture. Make sure the bread is evenly coated.
Casserole assembly
- Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter. Place saoked 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 butter over it.
- Finally, cover it with aluminium foil and refrigerate it overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375F and bake the casserole 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
Kristin says
Apple is a fun treat during fall. So many things to do with an apple. thankd for shareing
Alicia says
This looks amazing! It’s perfect for fall and all the extra apples we have from apple picking!
Tania says
That looks heavenly! Yes to all the apple this fall! I’m definitely making this for my family and serving it with bacon.
gingermommyrants says
These all look like great apple recipes. I am excited to start with the overnight streusel and work my way thru the rest of the recipes.
Lisa Bristol says
This looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make this for breakfast Sunday morning.
Oriana Romero says
My family is going to love this breakfast. I will have to try this recipe this week. It looks so delicious I know it is going to be a hit.
Elizabeth Lampman says
This is going to be a great breakfast. I have never tried a overnight recipe before. I am excited to try it.
Reesa Lewandowski says
This looks so amazing! I love that you can make it over night so that it is going to be ready for you in the morning.
Jeanine says
Yep, making this over the weekend. This looks Oh so delicious! I love french toast so this will now be at the top of my list no doubt!
Kirsten says
i love anything made with apples and this looks perfect for the fall days we just started having. Pinning this recipe so I can make it this weekend!
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
YUMMY! I love apple foods in fall. Your french toast with streusel made with oatmeal looks absolutely mouth-watering.
Melissa says
This is the perfect Saturday or Sunday morning treat and just in time for October 1st! I am literally squeeing with delight at the prospect of preparing this! Thanks for the appleriffic goodness!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
What a perfect way to start the week! I love making a big breakfast on Monday for the family to start the week off right- this is just the thing!
Claudia Krusch says
Love your recipe! It looks soooo healthy! I can’t wait to try it!
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, I need to make this. I am all about the ease of setting it overnight. JUST PERFECT! Thanks so much for sharing
Debi @ Life Currents says
This is perfect for Christmas morning. So special, and overnight! It looks delicious!
Jeanette says
One question do you deliver? I want this so bad. It looks delicious and I know it would taste good. I guess I know what I’ll be making tonight LOL.
Amy Desrosiers says
This looks like a devine choice for a harvest breakfast! I would love to have this on a chilly fall morning.
[email protected] says
This is the perfect fall breakfast/brunch. I’d love to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a fun dessert too. Great recipe.
Anna says
This is my kind of breakfast! How yummy!