French Toast Casserole

There's something special about waking up to the smell of French toast baking in the oven, especially during the holidays. This Overnight French Toast Casserole is one of my favorite recipes for serving family and friends because all the prep is done the night before. Soft cubes of challah bread soak up a rich vanilla custard overnight and bake up golden and delicious beneath a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. Whether you're hosting Christmas morning breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply want an easy make-ahead breakfast for a weekend gathering, this French Toast Casserole is a cozy recipe everyone will love.

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French Toast Casserole Recipe

Prep: 15 min | Bake: 50 min | Total:

Yields 6-8 servings

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Ingredients

Casserole

• 1 loaf challah bread

• 8 eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ cup cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• ¾ cup sugar

• Pinch of salt

Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Cut the challah bread into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

2. Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), sugar, and salt until well combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Make the Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

4. Bake the Casserole

When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.

5. Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with maple syrup.

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