French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe)

If there is one breakfast that perfectly balances comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe). This classic baked breakfast transforms simple pantry staples into a rich, custardy casserole topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble that bakes up golden and irresistible. Best of all, it’s designed to be made ahead—meaning your morning is stress-free, relaxed, and filled with the cozy aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and warm bread.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, planning a weekend family breakfast, or simply looking for an easy make-ahead dish that feeds a crowd, French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe) delivers every single time. Unlike traditional French toast that requires standing at the stove flipping slice after slice, this baked version allows you to prep everything the night before, let the bread soak up a rich custard overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning.

The result? A soft, creamy center with slightly crisp edges and a crumbly cinnamon topping that tastes like a cross between classic French toast and a bakery-style breakfast bake. It’s indulgent without being fussy, familiar yet special—exactly what a great breakfast recipe should be.

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Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe)

There are countless reasons why French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe) has become a staple in so many kitchens, but these are the ones that truly make it stand out:

Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast

This recipe was created specifically for overnight preparation. Once assembled, it rests in the refrigerator for at least four hours—or overnight—allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard. This step guarantees a soft, rich texture without sogginess.

Ideal for Holidays and Brunch

When mornings are busy and guests are hungry, French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe) shines. It feeds eight people comfortably and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

Rich, Bakery-Style Flavor

Thanks to eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar, the custard bakes into a creamy, luxurious interior. The cinnamon crumble topping adds contrast with a buttery crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Customizable and Forgiving

This recipe works with sourdough, brioche, challah, or French bread. You can easily adjust sweetness, bake time, or toppings to match your preference.

No Morning Stress

Everything is prepared in advance. In the morning, you simply preheat the oven, sprinkle on the topping, and bake.

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Ingredients + Tips for Success

French Toast Base

Bread (24-ounce loaf)
Sourdough is an excellent choice because it absorbs custard without falling apart, but brioche and challah create a softer, richer casserole. French bread works well too.

Eggs (8 large)
Eggs provide structure and richness. Whisk thoroughly to avoid eggy pockets.

Milk (2 cups)
Whole milk is recommended, but 2% works in a pinch.

Heavy Cream (½ cup)
This adds creaminess and helps create a custard-like texture rather than a dry bake.

Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon)
Use real vanilla for the best flavor depth.

Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
Sweetens the custard without overpowering it.

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Cinnamon Crumble Topping

All-Purpose Flour (½ cup)
Creates the crumb structure.

Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed)
Adds moisture and caramel notes.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Warm, comforting flavor essential to French toast.

Salt (¼ teaspoon)
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Cold Unsalted Butter (½ cup)
Cold butter is crucial for a crumbly topping rather than a paste.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Avoid packing the bread too tightly—air gaps help the custard soak evenly.

2. Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until completely smooth. Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

3. Chill Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, creating the signature soft interior of French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe).

4. Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly. Store the topping in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

5. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you like the center.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

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Texture & Flavor Breakdown

One of the reasons French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe) is so beloved is its contrast in textures. The inside is soft, custardy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the top layer forms a lightly crisp, buttery cinnamon crust.

The flavor is warm and balanced—sweet but not cloying, rich but not heavy. Vanilla adds depth, cinnamon brings warmth, and the bread provides structure without overpowering the custard.

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Variations to Try

Classic Cinnamon Sugar

Add an extra ½ teaspoon cinnamon directly into the custard for a stronger spice profile.

Berry French Toast Casserole

Scatter fresh or frozen berries over the bread before adding custard for pops of tart sweetness.

Nutty Crunch

Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added texture.

Maple Infused

Replace ¼ cup of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for deeper flavor.

Lighter Version

Use all milk instead of cream and reduce sugar to ½ cup for a lighter breakfast option.

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Serving Suggestions

French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe) pairs beautifully with:

• Warm maple syrup

• Powdered sugar dusting

• Fresh berries or sliced fruit

• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage

• A simple fruit salad

It also works well as part of a brunch spread with eggs, coffee, and juice.

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 460 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Protein: 11 g

• Fat: 24 g

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Final Thoughts on French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe)

French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe) is more than just a breakfast—it’s a solution. It solves the problem of busy mornings, hungry crowds, and the desire to serve something homemade without standing over the stove. This recipe brings together everything people love about classic French toast—soft bread, warm spices, creamy custard—and transforms it into a dish that’s easier, more reliable, and incredibly satisfying.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its flexibility. You can dress it up for holidays with fruit and nuts or keep it simple for everyday mornings. You can bake it softer for a spoonable texture or longer for neat, sliceable squares. No matter how you serve it, the result is comforting, familiar, and universally loved.