Description
Scrumptious overnight french toast casserole combines rich custard with day-old bread for a luxurious breakfast centerpiece. Cinnamon-kissed layers promise a comforting morning meal that will delight breakfast enthusiasts seeking a simple, make-ahead indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf French bread (or thick Texas toast), sliced
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml or 16 fl oz) half and half
- 1.5 sticks (170 g or 6 oz) butter, softened
- 1 cup (220 g or 7.7 oz) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsps (37 g or 1.3 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1.5 tsps pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsps ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.5 cup (120 ml or 4 fl oz) milk
- 0.5 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Generously coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, creating a smooth base for the casserole.
- Bread Layering: Create a uniform foundation by arranging bread slices in slightly overlapping rows, covering the entire dish surface completely.
- Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, half and half, whole milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, well-integrated liquid.
- Soaking Process: Delicately cascade the custard over the bread, ensuring each slice becomes thoroughly saturated and evenly permeated with the spiced mixture.
- Chilling Phase: Securely wrap the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the rich, aromatic custard completely.
- Temperature Adjustment: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, permitting it to approach room temperature naturally.
- Oven Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
- Crumb Topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter, working the ingredients until they resemble a rustic, crumbly texture.
- Topping Application: Distribute the crumb mixture evenly across the soaked bread, ensuring a consistent layer of sweet, crunchy topping.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface turns a golden-brown hue and the center appears puffy and set. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the texture and facilitates easier serving.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for maximum custard absorption and rich, tender texture.
- Overnight Magic: Refrigerating the casserole allows bread to completely soak up the custard, creating deeper flavor and more cohesive consistency.
- Crumb Topping Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly to create a crumbly texture that will crisp beautifully during baking.
- Room Temperature Rest: Letting the casserole sit before baking ensures even cooking and prevents a cold center that might remain undercooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg