Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the perfect breakfast dish to prepare for gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings. This delightful casserole features chunks of fluffy sourdough bread soaked in a rich custard made of eggs, milk, and cream, all blended with comforting spices. Topped with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon streusel, each bite is a harmonious mix of creamy and crunchy textures that will leave you wanting more.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for easy brunch ideas that could feed a crowd. The beauty of an overnight French toast casserole is not just in its taste but also in its simplicity. You can prepare it the night before, letting the flavors meld beautifully while you sleep. In the morning, just pop it in the oven, and soon, warm aromas will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 20 minutes, and it bakes while you enjoy your coffee.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy custard and the sweet, crunchy streusel is heavenly.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly baked, this casserole comes out of the oven golden brown and beautifully inviting.
- Flexible Serving: Excellent for brunch, holidays, or even a cozy family breakfast.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable based on dietary needs—just swap out a few ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: This gives the casserole its base and texture. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard better.
- 8 large eggs: Essential for the custard, offering both structure and richness.
- 2 cups (480ml) milk: Whole or 2% milk creates a creamy texture; you can substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free versions.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: Adds luxurious creaminess; you can replace it with half and half if preferred.
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard, balancing the dish; brown sugar also works if you prefer a deeper flavor.
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: Enhances sweetness with a hint of molasses; you can also use dark brown sugar for more depth.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the flavors; go for pure extract for the best results.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: This spice is a key ingredient for that warm, cozy flavor. Freshly ground is always more vibrant.
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: Used in the streusel topping to create that wonderful crumble—be sure to spoon and level it for accuracy.
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar (for streusel): This adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the topping.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for streusel): Enhances the streusel with warm spice.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Provides richness to the streusel; use cold, unsalted butter for the best texture.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Grease the Dish: Begin by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. You want every slice to come out easily!
Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf of sourdough or French bread into 1-inch chunks. Scatter the pieces evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish, ensuring good coverage for even soaking.
Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon until well combined. This custard will envelop the bread beautifully.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread chunks, ensuring every piece is coated. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover the casserole and refrigerate for several hours or overnight for the best flavor development.
Make the Streusel: (Optional, for a head-start) In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cut the ½ cup of cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until they resemble coarse crumbs. Store this in the refrigerator overnight if making ahead.
Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). The aroma of cinnamon and sugar will soon fill your kitchen!
Add Streusel Topping: Take the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Cover as much of the surface as you can for that delicious crunch.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bake until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you prefer it softer and more custardy, err on the shorter side; longer for a firmer texture.
Serve Warm: Upon baking, let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the casserole warm, drizzled with syrup and garnished with powdered sugar or fresh fruit, if desired.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover casserole at room temperature, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and enjoy within a day. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, portion it out and place it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid mushy bread by using slightly stale sourdough; fresh bread absorbs too much liquid too quickly.
- For best results, use room temperature eggs, which mix more easily and help create a fluffy texture.
- If you want to amp up the flavors, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or orange zest to the custard.
- Don’t skip letting it sit overnight; this ensures that the bread has absorbed all those incredible flavors.
- You can make the streusel topping up to a week ahead; just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a comforting experience that brings friends and family together. The ease of preparation means you can serve a crowd without stress, while the mouthwatering flavors keep everyone coming back for seconds. I hope you’ll try this recipe and share the joy of homemade breakfast with those you love!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread is recommended for its texture, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or even whole grain bread to suit your taste preference.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply substitute regular milk and heavy cream with almond milk and coconut cream. You can also replace the butter in the streusel with a dairy-free alternative.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, it’s designed for that! Just follow the preparation steps, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. It’s even said to taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for a golden top and edges that are slightly crisp. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. The texture should be set but still soft in the middle!
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📖 Recipe Card
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Try this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel. It features a delightful blend of bread, eggs, and spices, creating a comforting dish that’s a breeze to prepare. Perfect for breakfast gatherings, this recipe is a staple for anyone seeking easy, homemade goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or french bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces)
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish and set aside.
- Cut bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, coating all the pieces.
- Cover the casserole and store it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
- To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and cut into the dry mixture until it forms a crumble. Refrigerate if desired.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF when ready to bake.
- Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the casserole, covering it as much as possible.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Adjust baking time for desired texture: less for moist, longer for firmer.
- Serve warm with syrup and optional toppings such as powdered sugar or fresh fruit.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared the night before for a convenient breakfast solution.
Consider adding nuts or fruit to the bread mixture for extra flavor.
Experiment with different types of bread for varied textures and tastes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
