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Make Ahead Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole

Close-up of a moist slice of amazing baked french toast with a rich, caramelized cinnamon sugar topping.
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Prepare this easy baked French toast casserole the night before for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing brunch. It bakes up custardy inside with golden edges, making it a perfect holiday morning breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes (for filling)
  • For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Scatter the small cubes of cream cheese over the bread.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This is your custard base.
  3. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  4. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is key for a custardy center.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, the center is set (no liquid remains when lightly pressed), and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Let the baked French toast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half.
  • Serve this crowd pleasing brunch recipe with maple syrup or fresh berries.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/baked-french-toast-recipe-casserole-easy/