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Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole - featured image

Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 60 minutes (plus overnight soaking time)
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

A simple, forgiving breakfast casserole that soaks overnight for maximum flavor. Featuring rich brioche or challah bread, a creamy custard, and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying lazy weekend mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (16-20 oz / 450-550g) Brioche or Challah bread, torn into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) Butter, for greasing the dish
  • 4 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) Whole Milk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) Maple Syrup
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) Ground Cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon (pinch) Nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) Salt
  • ½ cup (60g) All-Purpose Flour (for streusel)
  • ⅓ cup (40g) Light Brown Sugar, packed (for streusel)
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) Granulated Sugar (for streusel)
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) Ground Cinnamon (for streusel)
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) Cold Butter, cubed (for streusel)
  • ¼ cup (30g) Pecans or Walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 3 tablespoons of butter.
  2. Tear the bread into 1-inch chunks and arrange them in a single, even layer in the bottom of the greased dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously until beaten. Add heavy cream, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and uniform.
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the liquid. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. For the streusel: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a fork or fingers until the texture resembles wet sand with small clumps. Fold in nuts if using.
  6. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bread. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, proceed to next step.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the center is set (not jiggly). If browning too fast, tent with foil after 30 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set further.

Notes

Use stale bread for best results; fresh bread will turn mushy. Ensure butter for the streusel is cold to maintain crunch. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the custard to set. Can be made gluten-free by using GF bread and flour, or dairy-free/vegan by substituting plant-based milks, cream, and butter.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 22
  • Sodium: 250
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 9

Keywords: french toast casserole, overnight breakfast, make-ahead recipe, cinnamon streusel, brioche bread, holiday brunch, easy breakfast, family breakfast

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Find it online: https://bymiarecipes.com/make-ahead-overnight-french-toast-casserole-easy-7-ingredient-recipe/