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Ultimate Overnight French Toast Casserole (Never Soggy)

A square slice of fluffy french toast casserole topped with a rich, dark brown cinnamon streusel topping.
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Make this easy, make-ahead French Toast Casserole using brioche or challah bread. It soaks in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard overnight, resulting in a fluffy, never-soggy breakfast bake perfect for stress-free mornings or holiday brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries (optional)
  • For Topping (Optional Crumble): 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter cut into pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread: Arrange the bread cubes in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If using fruit, sprinkle it evenly over the bread cubes.
  2. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Soak the bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them absorb the liquid.
  4. Make it overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is key for a fluffy, never-soggy result.
  5. Prepare the topping (if using): About 30 minutes before baking, prepare the crumble topping by mixing the flour and brown sugar in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the soaked bread.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the plastic wrap. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (no liquid remains when tested with a knife).
  7. Rest and serve: Let the baked French toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm with maple syrup.

Notes

  • Using stale or slightly dry bread helps prevent sogginess, as it absorbs the custard better without collapsing.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half.
  • If you need to bake this immediately instead of overnight, let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/french-toast-casserole-ultimate-overnight-bake/