Overnight French Toast

this RECIPE

Introduction to Overnight French Toast

Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of baked goodness wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of Overnight French Toast! It’s one of those delightful recipes that gives you the luxury of a warm, comforting breakfast without the morning rush stress. Perfect for busy moms like myself, this make-ahead dish lets you prep the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply want to treat your family, this Overnight French Toast will surely impress and satisfy. You deserve those cozy mornings!

Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast

This Overnight French Toast is a game-changer for busy mornings! It’s not only easy to make, but it also bursts with flavor, making every bite feel like a hug. You can prep it the night before, which cuts down on breakfast chaos. Plus, the creamy, custardy layers of French bread topped with berries create a delightful dish that will please everyone at the table. Trust me, it’s the breakfast you’ll always want to wake up to!

Ingredients for Overnight French Toast

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making your Overnight French Toast a success. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Day-old French bread: This is your star! Using day-old bread helps soak up all the delicious custard without becoming mushy. If you don’t have any, sourdough or challah are great alternatives.
• Whole milk: Creamy and rich, whole milk gives the custard a smooth texture. You can substitute it with almond milk or any preferred alternative, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together, creating that delightful custard. The more eggs, the richer the dish!
• Light brown sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, you’ll want this in your mix. Don’t worry, you can always use granulated sugar in a pinch.
• Ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds comforting notes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a twist!
• Kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making them pop. It’s an essential contrast to the sweetness.
• Salted butter: This deliciously adds richness and flavor. Using unsalted butter works too; just adjust the salt afterward.
• All-purpose flour: Key for your crumbly topping, flour helps create texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free blend!
• More light brown sugar: Yes, a little extra for that irresistible crumbly topping!
• Berries: Frozen or fresh, they provide a fruity contrast to the custard. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are fantastic choices, but mix and match to your heart’s desire!

For the exact quantities of these ingredients, you can check at the bottom of this article, where they’re available for printing. Now that you’re stocked up, let’s create something magical!

How to Make Overnight French Toast

Prepare the Casserole Dish

Let’s start with the casserole dish, your trusty baking companion for this Overnight French Toast. First, take a stick of salted butter and let it soften a bit. You can either use your hands or a paper towel to generously butter the insides of your 9×13-inch dish. If you prefer a neater method, you can also use cooking spray. Just make sure every inch is coated. This will help your delicious creation slide out flawlessly once it’s baked. Also, don’t skip this step; it ensures the bread doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving later. The dish is ready, so let’s move on to the next step!

Layer the Bread

Now, it’s time to layer the bread cubes like you’re building a cozy little fortress. Start by grabbing your day-old French bread and cutting it into about 1-inch cubes. Scatter an even layer in the prepared casserole dish. Once the first layer is all set, it’s time for layer two. Yup, you’ll want about two layers. This creates a beautiful, thick custardy base that soaks in all that rich egg mixture. Easy, right? Make sure to fill up any gaps as you go. Layering is key to that delightful custard experience. With the bread nestled in, we’re almost there!

Whisk the Egg Mixture

Next, let’s whisk up the magic that’ll transform our bread into Overnight French Toast. In a medium bowl, crack those seven large eggs. Add two cups of whole milk and the brown sugar. Sprinkle in that fragrant ground cinnamon and a pinch of kosher salt. Grab a whisk and beat it all together like there’s no tomorrow. You want a nice, smooth consistency where all the ingredients are combined evenly. The whisking is what melds those flavors together and gets air into the mixture. Trust me, that fluffiness makes a difference! 

Combine and Chill

Once that egg mixture is looking delectable, it’s time for some pouring action. Slowly drizzle the mixture evenly over your layered bread in the casserole dish. Be sure each piece is coated well—this makes the bread wonderfully custardy. After pouring, gently press down any pieces that might be peeking out to ensure they soak in the goodness. Now, cover the whole thing tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. Chilling for at least three hours or overnight is essential. This soaking time allows the flavors to mingle and the bread to absorb the egg mixture perfectly.

Make the Topping

While your bread is soaking up all that yumminess, let’s make that irresistible crumbly topping! In a separate bowl, combine half a cup of softened butter, half a cup of all-purpose flour, and another half cup of brown sugar. You can use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work these ingredients together until you get a crumbly texture. It should resemble small pebbles. After this, cover it up and chill it too. Chilling it helps maintain that gorgeous versatility; it’ll crumble beautifully over your French Toast right before baking!

Preheat and Bake

With everything prepped, it’s time to bake our masterpiece! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give it about 10 to 15 minutes to get nice and toasty. While that’s heating up, uncover your casserole dish and sprinkle that delightful crumbly topping over the soaked bread. Don’t forget to toss those beautiful berries on top as well! Once your oven’s ready, slide the dish in and let it bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to be lightly browned and the center cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when it smells heavenly!

Tips for Success

• Use day-old bread for the best texture; it soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
• Mix the topping well; a crumbly texture is key for that perfect, crunchy finish.
• Let the dish chill overnight; the longer the soak, the richer the flavor!
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg for a twist on the classic taste.
• For a special touch, serve with whipped cream or maple syrup!

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch casserole dish: A classic for baking; a similar-sized dish works too.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking your egg mixture; any large bowl will do.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing; a fork can substitute in a pinch.
• Pastry cutter or two knives: Useful for making the topping; your fingers can also work!
• Aluminum foil: For covering the dish; a lid also serves this purpose well.

Variations

• Fruit Fiesta: Switch up the berries with your favorite fruits! Sliced bananas or diced apples can add a delightful twist.
• Nuts About Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Delights: Mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist—perfect for special occasions or sweet cravings!
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute whole milk with coconut or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter replacement for a vegan-friendly option.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the egg mixture for a sweet and spicy combination that surprises the palate!

Serving Suggestions

• Maple Syrup: Drizzle some warm maple syrup over your Overnight French Toast for an irresistible sweetness.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of fresh berries on the side for added color and flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
• Coffee or Tea: Pair it with a comforting cup of coffee or herbal tea to start your day right!
• Presentation: Garnish with mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish!

FAQs about Overnight French Toast

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
While day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard, you can use fresh bread. Just dry it out a bit in the oven at a low temperature before use. This helps prevent it from becoming too mushy!

How long can I keep Overnight French Toast in the fridge?
You can keep your prepared Overnight French Toast in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it once baked, but freshness is best enjoyed as soon as it’s made!

Can I make this Overnight French Toast vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer, use plant-based milk, and try vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free option. It may change the flavor but still be wonderfully tasty!

What can I serve with Overnight French Toast?
Serving with maple syrup is a classic choice. You can also add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and flair.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your Overnight French Toast is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set. If it jiggles, give it a few more minutes. The aroma will also be a good indicator that it’s done!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a warm, homemade breakfast with your loved ones. This Overnight French Toast embodies the joy of family gatherings and special moments. The blend of creamy custard, delightful berries, and that crumbly topping creates a symphony of flavors that everyone will cherish.

Plus, knowing it was easy to prepare the night before makes enjoying a lazy morning feel even more rewarding. Whether it’s a simple weekend breakfast or a festive brunch, this dish brings smiles and comfort to the table. So go ahead, embrace those relaxing mornings filled with love and laughter!

Print