Name: Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-488375H55M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, Texas toast, challah, or brioche, sliced or cubed; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk (or 2%); 1 cup half and half; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; For the Topping:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp corn syrup (optional)

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This Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole is my favorite kind of breakfast—warm, comforting, and zero stress in the morning. I make it the night before, tuck it into the fridge, and then just pop it in the oven the next day. It comes out golden on top, soft and custardy inside, and full of sweet cinnamon-vanilla flavor that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or when family comes to visit, this dish always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: I prep it all the night before, so mornings are peaceful and delicious.
Simple Ingredients: Everything I need is already in my pantry and fridge—no fancy extras.
Holiday-Perfect: I serve this every Christmas morning, and it never disappoints.
Big-Batch Friendly: It feeds a crowd without needing to stand over a stove flipping slices.
Incredible Texture: The bread gets custardy underneath with a cinnamon-sugar crunch on top—just the way I like it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French bread (or Texas toast, challah, or brioche)
Eggs
Half and half
Whole milk (or 2% if needed)
Granulated sugar
Pure vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Butter
Brown sugar
Corn syrup (optional, but gives the topping great texture)

Directions

I start by slicing or cubing the bread and arranging it in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, I whisk together eggs, milk, half and half, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
I pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure everything gets soaked. I press the bread down slightly so it absorbs the liquid.
I cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it overnight (or at least 6 hours).
In the morning, I make the topping by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and corn syrup until crumbly. I sprinkle it over the top of the casserole.
I bake it uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Once baked, I let it sit for a few minutes before serving warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves about 10–12 people and takes 15 minutes to prep the night before, with 45 minutes baking time in the morning.

Variations

Berry Blend: I sometimes mix in blueberries or sliced strawberries between the bread layers before chilling.
Cream Cheese Version: I dot the casserole with chunks of cream cheese for a richer finish.
Apple Cinnamon: Thinly sliced apples tossed with extra cinnamon make this cozy for fall.
Nutty Crunch: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the topping adds a satisfying crunch.
Lighter Version: I’ve used 1% milk and skipped the corn syrup and it still turns out delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I use the microwave for quick portions or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
It also freezes well—just wrap slices individually and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this with a different type of bread?

Yes, I’ve used challah, brioche, and Texas toast—all work beautifully. Just make sure it’s a sturdy bread that holds up to the custard.

Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?

While it’s best chilled overnight, I’ve made it with a minimum of 4–6 hours and still got great results.

Can I skip the corn syrup in the topping?

Absolutely. I often leave it out and the topping is still delicious—just slightly more crumbly.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be puffed and set with no liquid remaining. I usually check by gently shaking the dish—the middle should barely jiggle.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, I use an 8×8 dish and cut all the ingredients in half for a smaller batch.

Conclusion

This Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—especially for holidays or when I want something cozy and satisfying. I love how it fills the kitchen with the smell of cinnamon in the morning, and how everyone always asks for seconds. It’s comforting, customizable, and foolproof, and once you try it, I think it’ll become a breakfast favorite in your home too.