why make this recipe
Overnight French Toast Bake is a fantastic dish perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend breakfast. You can prepare it the night before, making breakfast a breeze. Just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious, warm meal ready to serve. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of French toast with the convenience of baking.
how to make Overnight French Toast Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2/3 cup sugar (+ extra for topping)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter
- Maple syrup for serving
Directions:
- Butter a baking dish and layer in the bread.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and spices together. Pour this mixture over the bread.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight.
- The next morning, bake the dish at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Sprinkle some extra sugar on top and broil for a few minutes to create a crispy finish.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and enjoy!
how to serve Overnight French Toast Bake
Serve the Overnight French Toast Bake warm, drizzled with maple syrup. You can also add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor. It’s great for family breakfasts or brunch with friends.
how to store Overnight French Toast Bake
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm.
tips to make Overnight French Toast Bake
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. It soaks up the mixture better.
- Experiment with different spices like cardamom for a unique flavor.
- For a sweeter taste, increase the sugar slightly or add chocolate chips.
- If you want a fruitier version, add fresh berries or sliced bananas in between the layers of bread.
variation
You can make variations of this recipe by adding fruits like apples, pears, or chocolate chips. For a healthier twist, substitute whole milk with almond milk or use a sugar alternative.
FAQs
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread, and the recipe will still work great.
Can I prepare it without eggs?
Definitely! You can replace the eggs with a mixture of mashed bananas or applesauce, but it will change the texture a bit.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole should be puffed up and golden brown on top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean if it is fully baked.
Overnight French Toast Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced Use day-old bread for better absorption
- 5 pieces eggs Can be substituted with mashed bananas or applesauce
- 1 cup half-and-half For a healthier version, substitute with almond milk
- 1 cup whole milk You may use a sugar alternative instead of regular sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2/3 cup sugar Add extra sugar for topping if desired
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon Consider experimenting with other spices like cardamom
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter Used for greasing the baking dish
- Maple syrup For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Butter a baking dish and layer in the sliced bread.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and spices.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight.
Baking
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the dish for 35-40 minutes.
- Sprinkle some extra sugar on top and broil for a few minutes for a crispy finish.
Serving
- Serve warm with drizzled maple syrup.
- Add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar as desired.