Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a lazy Sunday brunch? Then Baked French Toast is your answer! Honestly, who doesn't love waking up to the smell of cinnamon and warm bread? It's the ultimate breakfast sweets comfort food with a custardy, decadent flavour profile.

Brief Overview

French Toast Bake Recipe , or pain perdu as the French say, has been around for ages. It’s a way to use up stale bread.

This recipe is easy. Prep takes just 20 minutes , then bake for 45- 55 minutes . This French Toast Bake makes 8 servings .

Main Benefits

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is packed with energy. It's a perfect breakfast casserole for a holiday brunch or special occasion.

This Easy Baked French Toast recipe is special because you prep it the night before. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!

Wake Up to Deliciousness: The Story Behind This Recipe

Right, so let's be real. I love sleep. The idea of wrestling with pots and pans first thing in the morning? No, thank you! That's how I stumbled upon the magic of an Overnight French Toast Casserole .

It's like a gift to your future self.

One time, I totally forgot to chill it. I woke up in a panic! Guess what? It still tasted amazing, just not quite as custardy.

Lesson learned: even if you're forgetful like me, this recipe is pretty forgiving.

Key Ingredients: Setting the Stage for a Scrummy Delight

So, here's what you'll need for this Challah French Toast Recipe :

• One loaf of challah bread is the best! (or brioche or French bread).
• Eight large eggs .
• Two cups whole milk .
• One cup heavy cream .
• Half cup granulated sugar .
• Two tablespoons vanilla extract .
• One teaspoon ground cinnamon .
• Quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg .
• Pinch of salt .

Optional Topping:

• Quarter cup packed brown sugar .
• Quarter cup melted unsalted butter .
• Half cup chopped pecans or walnuts .

This Brunch Casserole Recipes calls for challah which soaks up the custard so well! Seriously, try to use challah. You won’t regret it!

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Baked French Toast

Want an amazing French Toast Bake Recipe ? You've come to the right place! This recipe is the bomb. It’s so easy and tastes incredible.

Honestly, Baked French Toast is one of my go-to Breakfast Meals .

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show

• Challah Bread: 1 loaf (1 pound/450g) . The star bread absorbs custard like a sponge!
• Eggs: 8 large . Use free range for the best color and flavor.
• Whole Milk: 2 cups (475ml) . This is essential for creamy custard.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . This adds richness. Don’t skimp!
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . Adjust to your taste.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Real vanilla is best!
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (5g) . I love a generous sprinkle.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1g) . Adds warmth and depth.
• Salt: A pinch. Balances the sweetness.

Quality bread is key! Challah should be soft and slightly sweet. If you can't find challah, brioche or even crusty French bread work well.

Stale bread actually works best for this French Toast Bake . Day-old bread soaks up the custard better without getting soggy.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic combo. Add a pinch of allspice for a festive kick. Orange zest brings brightness.

I love a dash of almond extract for something different. These make the Breakfast Sweets awesome.

Vanilla extract enhances the flavour. Pure vanilla is worth the splurge. If you don't have it, a teaspoon of vanilla essence will do in a pinch.

Want a boozy twist? Add a splash of bourbon or rum. A tablespoon or two is all you need.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• 9x13 inch baking dish (casserole dish). The pan helps to give the shape to the Breakfast Casseroles .
• Large mixing bowl. A big bowl makes mixing easy.
• Whisk. For smooth custard.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements are important.

Don't have a whisk? A fork works too. No fancy baking dish? Any oven safe dish will do. This Easy Baked French Toast recipe is all about being flexible.

Remember to preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Temperature is key for even baking. Baking Overnight French Toast Casserole is super easy and worth it.

You can even try this amazing Challah French Toast Recipe . It is one of the greatest Brunch Casserole Recipes to impress everyone with your skills.

Let's Talk Baked French Toast : The Lazy Brunch Hero

Honestly, who doesn't love a good lazy weekend brunch? But sometimes, the thought of flipping individual slices of French Toast is just too much effort.

That's where this Baked French Toast recipe comes in! It's like the superhero of breakfast casseroles minimal effort, maximum reward.

Think of it as a French Toast Bake , but even easier!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: gather your troops! You'll need 1 loaf (1 pound/450g) challah bread , 8 large eggs , 2 cups (475ml) whole milk , 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream , and the usual suspects like sugar , vanilla , and cinnamon .

Chop the challah bread into 1 inch cubes. Oh my gosh, the smell of cinnamon already gets me excited!. Make sure your 9x13 inch baking dish is ready.

Time saving tip: Do this the night before! Seriously, prepping the French Toast Bake and letting it sit overnight is a game changer.

It gives all those lovely flavors time to meld together. This turns it into an awesome Overnight French Toast Casserole .

We're talking next level scrummy!

Bake It 'Til You Make It: step-by-step Brilliance

1. Spread the cubed bread in your baking dish.
2. Whisk together the 8 large eggs , 2 cups (475ml) milk , 1 cup (240ml) cream , ½ cup (100g) sugar , 2 tablespoons (30ml) vanilla , 1 teaspoon (5g) cinnamon , ¼ teaspoon (1g) nutmeg , and a pinch of salt.
3. Pour that creamy goodness over the bread, making sure every piece is soaked. Give it a gentle press to submerge.
4. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight .
5. Optional but highly recommended: Sprinkle with a mix of ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar and ¼ cup (60g) melted butter before baking.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 55 minutes , or until golden brown and puffed up. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
7. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Cracking Pro Tips for a Perfect Bake

Want to take your French Toast Bake Recipe to the next level? Use slightly stale bread, it soaks up the custard better.

And whatever you do, don't overbake it! Nobody wants a dry casserole. Look for that golden brown color and a custard that's set but still jiggly.

A common mistake is not distributing the custard evenly. Make sure every piece of bread gets its fair share. You could even try taking the casserole out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

If you're planning a big brunch casserole recipe , this Easy Baked French Toast can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Trust me, your guests will thank you. And maybe even knight you. Serve it up with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Whether you call it Breakfast Sweets , Breakfast Meals , or simply a Challah French Toast Recipe , this dish is a winner. Now go forth and bake something amazing!

Recipe Notes For Your Scrummy Baked French Toast

Right then, before you get stuck in with this French Toast Bake Recipe , let's have a natter about a few things that'll make your Baked French Toast experience even better.

Honestly, it's like getting a little heads-up from your nan before you start baking pure gold!

Serving Up Your Breakfast Sweets Like a Pro

Right, picture this. Your Baked French Toast is out of the oven, all golden and puffy. What now? Well, a sprinkle of icing sugar always looks posh.

A drizzle of maple syrup is a must, isn't it? For a proper fancy Brunch Casserole Recipes , chuck on some fresh berries raspberries, strawberries, anything goes.

And a dollop of whipped cream? Oh, my gosh, that's just heaven. This is where you get to channel your inner artist, mate! It's an art plating your breakfast meals !

Think about what to serve alongside your Easy Baked French Toast , too. Crispy bacon is a classic. Maybe some sausages? A bit of fruit salad? That’s what I am talking about! A cheeky mimosa wouldn't go amiss either, would it?

Storing Your Breakfast Casseroles (If There's Any Left!)

So, you've somehow managed not to eat the whole Overnight French Toast Casserole in one sitting. Fair play! Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3 days.

Freezing it is an option too, but honestly, I reckon it's best fresh. The texture can change a bit when you freeze it, you know? If you do freeze it, make sure it's properly cooled first.

Then, wrap it up tight in cling film and foil. It'll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's warmed through.

Mixing It Up: Variations on Your French Toast Bake

Fancy a bit of a twist? No worries! For a dairy-free version, use almond or soy milk and cream. It works a treat! If you are making Challah French Toast Recipe , consider a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free bread.

Seasonal swaps? In the summer, throw in some peaches or nectarines. In autumn, apple and cinnamon are a winner.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food, is it? But a little of what you fancy does you good, right? Each serving is roughly between 450-550 calories.

It's a good source of protein (around 15-20g) from the eggs and milk. There's a fair bit of fat (25-35g), but hey, it's all about balance! The carbs (40-50g) come from the bread and sugar.

Remember, these are just estimates!

Honestly, the Baked French Toast is a hug in a dish. Don't be afraid to give it a go and have some fun with it! You'll be surprised how scrummy it is.

Now, off you pop go make some magic happen!