Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

I created a recipe with French bread cubes, eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and hints of vanilla and cinnamon to form a Healthy Overnight French Toast. Its balanced blend of sugar and spices yields a naturally sweet dish prepared in advance. I love how this recipe brings a refreshing twist.

I recently tried out The Best Overnight French Toast Breakfast Casserole Recipe and it quickly became one of my favored easy premade breakfast ideas. I was amazed at how little effort it takes to create such a delicious meal in advance.

All you need is a loaf of French bread cut into cubes, eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream. I mix these with granulated sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of ground cinnamon and salt before letting the blend sit overnight.

In the morning, you simply bake it to perfection. The result is a healthy sweet breakfast casserole that surprises you with an amazing texture and taste.

It honestly feels like an overnight french toast miracle that is both a quick egg casserole and a healthy start to your day. I promise this recipe will add a fun twist to your morning routine.

Enjoy checking out this twist on a classic breakfast!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I like how the creamy egg and milk mixture soaks into every piece of the French bread and makes it super tasty and moist. Second, I appreciate that you can prep it the night before so you dont have to stress out in the morning, making my breakfast routine way easier. Third, the blend of vanilla and cinnamon gives it this warm, comforting flavor thats both sweet and spicy in just the right amount. Fourth, I like that it comes out with a golden top that you can dust with powdered sugar for that extra touch, making it not only delicious but also fun to eat.

Ingredients

• French bread: A dense carb source which soaks up custardy egg mixtures real good.
• Eggs: Packed with protein and healthy fats that make the dish extra filling.
• Whole milk: Creamy and rich, adding moisture and essential nutrients to the recipe.
• Heavy cream: Boosts the creaminess even more and gives a smooth, decadent texture.
• Granulated sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory components perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor notes, making each bite feel special.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf French bread (about 10 to 12 cups of cubes)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: powdered sugar for serving
• Optional: butter to grease the dish

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish lightly with butter.

2. Cube the French bread into about 10 to 12 cups of cubes and spread them evenly into the greased dish.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the 8 large eggs with 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until theyre well mixed.

4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes making sure theyre all evenly covered.

5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor and texture.

6. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover from the casserole and place it in the preheated oven.

7. Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is set in the middle.

8. Let it rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven, then if you want, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 9×13 inch casserole dish and butter for greasing
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Whisk or fork for beating eggs
5. Kitchen knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Plastic wrap or aluminum foil for covering the dish

FAQ

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• French bread: You can use challah or brioche instead, it still gives a nice texture.
• Whole milk: Try using 2% milk or even almond/or oat milk if you want a lighter option.
• Heavy cream: Half and half or coconut cream work well, though they might change the flavor a bit.
• Granulated sugar: Brown sugar or a bit of maple syrup can substitute, just be sure to adjust slightly for sweetness.
• Eggs: For a vegan spin, use a commercial egg replacer or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg), but it might alter the texture.

Pro Tips

1. Try using day-old or slightly stale French bread if you can, cause it soaks up the custard way better than super fresh bread.
2. Make sure you mix the eggs and dairy real good and then gently press the bread cubes down so every piece gets coated evenly.
3. Chill the soaked bread in the fridge overnight if possible – if you’re short on time, even 8 hours helps bring out the flavors, trust me.
4. Let the hot casserole sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven before dusting with powdered sugar so it keeps its shape and isn’t all messy.