Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread, cut into cubes, provides the base for the casserole, offering a sturdy texture that soaks up the custard mixture beautifully.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and create a rich, custardy texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create the custard base.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard mixture.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to both the custard and the topping.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.

Flour: Used in the topping to create a crumbly texture.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the topping.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Cold butter: Cut into pieces and mixed with the topping ingredients to create a crumbly, golden-brown finish.

When preparing the casserole topping, ensure that the butter is very cold. This will help you achieve the desired coarse crumb texture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture, which will create a more even distribution and a perfectly crispy topping.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it a perfect alternative for a more decadent casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a soft texture, which works well in absorbing the custard mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that provides a similar consistency and flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a rich, dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is less processed.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

• flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free option that adds a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture.

• brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is a natural sweetener made from dried dates and offers a similar sweetness.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• cold butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and richness.

• To store your overnight French toast casserole, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, ensure the casserole is fully cooled. Wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy your frozen French toast casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, you can use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

• To keep the topping crisp when reheating, consider placing the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

• If you prefer a fresh topping, you can prepare the streusel mixture separately and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, sprinkle the fresh topping over the casserole before placing it in the oven.

• For added flavor, consider serving your reheated French toast casserole with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or a side of crispy bacon can also elevate the dish.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method: Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Be cautious not to overheat, as the eggs can become rubbery.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet. Place a portion of the French toast casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the French toast casserole in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. This method will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and soft.

• Baking dish: A 9x13 inch dish to hold and bake the casserole.

• Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.

• Large bowl: For whisking together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, and vanilla.

• Whisk: To mix the wet ingredients thoroughly.

• Medium bowl: For mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

• Pastry cutter: To cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the casserole.

• Measuring cups: For accurately measuring the milk, cream, sugars, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: For measuring the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: To cut the bread loaf into cubes.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the bread.

• Spatula: To help spread the mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

• Timer: To keep track of the 45-minute baking time.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the bread into cubes and measure out the milk, cream, and sugars the night before.

Use a mixer: Use an electric mixer to quickly blend the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.

Pre-make the topping: Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt with the butter and store it in the fridge.

Line the dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

Set reminders: Use a timer to remind you to preheat the oven and to check the casserole while it bakes.