Description
A stress-free, make-ahead breakfast casserole that soaks overnight for a custardy texture. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (600g) stale bread (brioche or challah recommended), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons (60g) butter, for greasing the dish
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons (40g) white granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 cup berries, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, or 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter.
- Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them into the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all bread is submerged.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then press down again to ensure even soaking.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 8-12 hours (overnight).
- Remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while oven preheats.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set (jiggles slightly like custard).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use day-old or stale bread to prevent mushiness. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly first. Press the bread down twice to ensure even soaking. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during baking. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: french toast casserole, make ahead breakfast, overnight french toast, easy brunch, brioche french toast, holiday breakfast