Description
This Overnight French Toast recipe is a delightful make-ahead breakfast casserole that combines day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, topped with a sweet crumbly streusel and fresh berries. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for holiday mornings or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Toast Base
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 7 large eggs
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch Kosher salt
For the Topping
- ½ cup salted butter, cubed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup berries (frozen is fine)
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Butter or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Layer the bread: Evenly spread 10 cups of cubed day-old French bread in about two layers within the prepared casserole dish.
- Make custard mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together 2 cups of whole milk, 7 large eggs, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Chill the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, use a pastry cutter or two knives to mix ½ cup salted butter, cubed, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup light brown sugar until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Cover and chill until ready to use.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add topping and berries: Sprinkle the prepared crumbly topping evenly over the soaked bread casserole. Distribute 1 cup of berries evenly on top.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the center is set and cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven and serve warm, either by itself or topped with syrup, for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps absorb the custard better and prevents sogginess.
- Feel free to substitute whole milk with 2% or plant-based milk if preferred.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before baking, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- You can use fresh or frozen berries; frozen berries may release more juice but add a lovely flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use your preferred non-dairy milk.
- Adding a drizzle of maple syrup when serving enhances the sweetness.
