This French toast casserole combines all the ingredients of traditional French toast in an easy overnight method. No more slaving over a hot stove flipping pieces of French toast while your guests are waiting. Make this easy casserole the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and serve it for a casual weekend or holiday breakfast. I got the idea from a bed and breakfast in the south. You can add additional ingredients such as blueberries and cream cheese, cinnamon apples, nuts, and dried fruit!
Prep Time::15 mins
Cook Time::30 mins
Additional Time:: 8 hrs
Total Time:: 8 hrs 45 mins
Servings::8
Yield::1 (9×13-inch) casserole
Ingredients
French Toast:
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
1 (8 ounce) loaf crusty French bread, cut into bite-sized pieces, or more as needed
2 cups milk
6 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping:
1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
Directions
Gather all ingredients and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Make the French toast: Stir brown sugar and butter together in a saucepan over medium-low heat until butter is melted and sugar has dissolved, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour butter-brown sugar mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Scatter French bread pieces over top in a 1 1/2- to 2-inch layer.
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Whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla together in a bowl until well combined. Pour over bread pieces, then press bread down with a spatula so the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
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When ready to bake, remove French toast from the refrigerator and discard plastic wrap. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Make topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the French toast.
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Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes, covering with aluminum foil at any point if the top is browning too much.
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To serve, cut into squares and invert onto serving plates.
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Editor's Note:
A number of reviewers have commented that baking this casserole at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 to 60 minutes produces a better result. If you have a little extra time for baking, give it a try!