When your mornings are chaotic but you still crave something warm, cozy, and indulgent, this Overnight French Toast Casserole is the answer. It takes all the effort out of breakfast by doing the work the night before. You wake up, toss it in the oven, and your kitchen starts to smell like a dream bakery within minutes.

Imagine layers of rich brioche soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked until golden and slightly crispy on top while remaining soft and luscious underneath. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug, perfect for holidays, brunches, or just slow Sunday mornings with coffee in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast Casserole

This dish is pure comfort and convenience wrapped into one. It feeds a crowd effortlessly and doesn’t require standing over a skillet flipping slices. You prepare it all the night before, let it soak and develop flavor overnight, and simply bake it in the morning. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add fruit, nuts, or even a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, brioche or challah are top choices. They’re sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart and have that slight sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully. If you’re in a pinch, French bread works too—just make sure it’s a day or two old so it soaks up every drop of that creamy egg mixture.

Ingredients for the Overnight French Toast Casserole

This cozy casserole is made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. The magic lies in the way they come together—bread soaking up a rich custard overnight, transforming into something luxurious by morning.

Brioche bread
Eggs
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg
Butter
Salt

Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe 2

How To Make the Overnight French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Cut your brioche into thick cubes and layer them into a greased baking dish. Arrange the pieces to fit snugly so they can fully absorb the custard without floating.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Pour and Soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread soak it up. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole, dot the top with small pieces of butter, and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let it cool slightly before serving. You can drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or top with fresh fruit for extra flair.

Serving and Storing This Overnight French Toast Casserole

This casserole feeds around 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for brunch gatherings, special occasions, or even meal prep for the week. Once baked, it holds up beautifully for several days. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven to bring back that toasty edge.

If you want to freeze it, bake the casserole first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What to Serve With Overnight French Toast Casserole?

Fresh Berries

A bowl of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds brightness and balances the richness of the casserole.

Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links

A salty, savory side pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors and gives the breakfast some hearty balance.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

Offer a creamy, tangy contrast with a drizzle of honey and maybe a handful of granola.

Maple Syrup or Fruit Compote

You can never go wrong with classic warm maple syrup, but a berry compote can add a seasonal twist.

Scrambled Eggs

For those who need a little more protein, scrambled eggs are quick and go with just about anything.

Sliced Avocado or Tomato Salad

Not your traditional pairing, but the freshness and touch of acidity work well with the richness of the bake.

Spiced Nuts

Add some crunch to the meal with a bowl of candied or spiced pecans on the side.

Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If you love this Overnight French Toast Casserole, you might fall for these other breakfast delights too:

Try the rich and fluffy Best Fluffy Pancake Recipe for your next morning treat.
Our Creamy Chicken and Broccoli makes a fantastic savory brunch pairing.
For something hearty and cheesy, check out the Sausage and Spinach Frittata.
Don’t miss the cozy Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling when autumn cravings hit.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add any fun toppings? Swap in croissants or sourdough? I love hearing how these bakes evolve in your kitchen. Questions are always welcome too—we’re all in this breakfast journey together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more cozy morning meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites.

Conclusion

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is the kind of recipe that brings people together. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, weekend gathering, or just to spoil yourself on a weekday morning, it delivers. Rich, easy, and endlessly comforting—exactly how breakfast should feel.