Overnight french toast casserole is hands down one of my favorite ways to start the morning, especially when I’ve got a house full of hungry kids. You prep it the night before, pop it in the oven, and wake up to the most incredible smell of cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery streusel. Trust me, this baked french toast casserole is a total game changer for busy mornings and weekend brunch.
I first made this recipe on a random Sunday when Henry and I were trying to figure out breakfast for Isabella, Emma, and Noah… all at once. I wanted something warm and filling that didn’t require me standing over the stove flipping individual pieces of French toast. That’s when I started making this overnight breakfast casserole, and it’s been a repeat favorite in our kitchen ever since. If you love easy morning recipes, you’ll also want to check out our breakfast egg bake for another crowd-pleasing option.
Why You Will Love This Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Prep it the night before and just bake in the morning. No stress, no rushing.
- The streusel topping adds a crispy, buttery crunch that takes it over the top.
- It feeds a crowd, making it a perfect holiday breakfast casserole for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Soft, custardy bread on the inside with golden edges on the outside.
- Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have at home.
- Great for a make ahead brunch recipe when you’re hosting family or friends.
Ingredients You Need for This French Toast Bake
Baked French Toast:
- French bread (16 ounces, cut into 1-inch cubes) this is the star of the dish
- 8 large eggs they create that rich, custardy base
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half adds creaminess
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup salted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Besides French bread, you can also use brioche, cinnamon swirl bread, or sourdough. Each one brings a slightly different texture and flavor. Brioche makes it extra rich, while sourdough gives a nice tang.
For the milk, 2% milk works fine if that’s what you have. You can also swap the half and half for whole milk or heavy cream depending on how rich you want it.
How to Make This Overnight French Toast Casserole Step by Step
Step 1: Prep the Bread Layer
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes in an even layer.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt. Pour this mixture right over the bread cubes. Press down gently so all the pieces soak up the custard.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. (Overnight gives the best results the bread really soaks up all that flavor.)
Step 2: Make the Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and sea salt. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands to work it together until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Cover and pop it in the fridge alongside the casserole.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Take both the casserole and the streusel out of the fridge. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup.
(Pro tip: I like to let it sit for about 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven. It holds together better when you slice it.)
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Freezer: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze whole for up to 1 month, or cut into individual portions, flash-freeze on a baking sheet, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
The flavors actually get even better after a day in the fridge. The cinnamon and vanilla settle into the bread and it tastes even richer the next morning.
Fun Variations for Your French Toast Bake
Have you ever tried adding fruit to a breakfast casserole? It’s SO good.
- Toss in fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries before pouring on the custard.
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Swap the vanilla for almond extract for a totally different flavor.
- Drizzle cream cheese frosting on top for a special occasion brunch.
- Use dark brown sugar instead of light for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of a good french toast bake it’s flexible.
Your Questions About Overnight French Toast Casserole
Can I make this french toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes, and that’s the best part. You can prep the entire dish the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and simply bake it in the morning. It takes all the stress out of breakfast, which is why this is my go-to for holidays and big family mornings.
What’s the best bread to use for overnight french toast casserole?
French bread works great because it holds up well in the custard without falling apart. But brioche, cinnamon swirl bread, and sourdough are all fantastic choices too. I’d avoid anything too soft like sandwich bread it tends to get mushy.
How long does french toast casserole last in the fridge?
Leftovers keep well for 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. It honestly tastes just as good the next day.
Can I freeze overnight french toast casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the whole baked casserole for up to 1 month, or cut it into individual pieces and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a great way to have a make ahead brunch recipe ready to go whenever you need it
Time to Enjoy This Overnight French Toast Casserole
This overnight french toast casserole is one of those recipes that just makes mornings easier and tastier. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it feeds a crowd without any fuss. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday brunch or just want a cozy weekend breakfast, this one won’t let you down.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below, and be sure to tag me on Instagram. Oh, and don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it anytime you need a killer breakfast idea.
Recipes You May Like
- Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread another warm, cinnamon-spiced breakfast treat the whole family will love.
- Crispy Cottage Cheese Waffles if you’re looking for a high-protein weekend breakfast option.
- Soft Amish White Bread perfect homemade bread that you could even use as the base for this casserole.
Happy cooking
Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This overnight french toast casserole is hands down one of the best make ahead brunch recipes. Prep it the night before with custardy French bread, warm cinnamon and vanilla, then top it with a buttery streusel and bake in the morning. Soft on the inside, golden and crispy on top it feeds a crowd without any fuss.
Ingredients
- French bread (16 ounces, cut into 1-inch cubes) this is the star of the dish
- 8 large eggs they create that rich, custardy base
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half adds creaminess
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup salted butter (softened, for streusel)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (for streusel)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes in an even layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and press down gently so all the pieces soak up the liquid.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight for the best results.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and sea salt for the streusel. Use a fork or your hands to work it together until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Cover the streusel and refrigerate alongside the casserole.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Take both the casserole and streusel out of the fridge.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup.
Notes
You can use brioche, cinnamon swirl bread, or sourdough instead of French bread each one brings a slightly different texture and flavor. For the milk, 2% works fine if that’s what you have, and you can swap the half and half for whole milk or heavy cream depending on how rich you want it. Toss in fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries before pouring on the custard for a fruity twist, or add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
