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A slice of overnight French toast casserole on a plate, garnished with powdered sugar and fresh berries, with the baking dish in the background.

Overnight French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch

This easy overnight french toast casserole recipe is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast for holidays or brunch. Prep it the night before for a warm, gooey, and delicious breakfast bake with a custardy center and golden-brown top.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 452
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 1 pound), stale or day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving (Optional)
  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the cubed bread in a single, even layer in the dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to ensure it's all coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  4. The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes. Uncover the dish and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
  5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted in the center comes out clean). Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Best Bread Tip: Using day-old or slightly stale bread is crucial. It acts like a sponge and soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.