Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread cut into cubes provides the base for the casserole, soaking 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.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.

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

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a classic vanilla note.

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

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the topping.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Butter: Cold and cut into pieces, it is used in the topping to create a crumbly, delicious texture.

For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah bread instead of french bread. These types of bread have a higher egg and butter content, which will make the casserole even more decadent. Additionally, when cutting the butter into the flour mixture, use a pastry cutter or two forks to ensure the butter is evenly distributed, creating a perfect crumb topping.

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

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture and sweetness, providing a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in baking.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture similar to cow's milk and is also dairy-free.

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

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides natural sweetness and adds a unique flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar texture and a slightly caramelized flavor.

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

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

• flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is another gluten-free option that works well in baking.

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

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

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a dairy-free alternative that works similarly in baking.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which could make the bread soggy.

• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to maintain the freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the package with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps to maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

• For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh cinnamon or powdered sugar over the reheated casserole before serving. This adds a delightful burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover overnight French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave is your friend. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the moisture in. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the top is slightly crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are warmed and slightly crispy.

• Baking dish: A 9x13 inch dish to hold the bread cubes and the custard mixture.

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

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

• Whisk: To mix the custard ingredients thoroughly.

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

• Pastry cutter: To cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

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

• Measuring cups: To measure out the milk, cream, sugars, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: To cut the butter into pieces.

• Cutting board: To cube the loaf of French bread.

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

• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the dry ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-cut bread: Buy pre-cut french bread to avoid the hassle of cutting it yourself.

Mix wet ingredients in advance: Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, and sugars the night before and store in the fridge.

Pre-make the topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter ahead of time and refrigerate.

Use a food processor: Quickly cut in the butter with a food processor instead of by hand.