Can French toast bake be made the day before?

Yes, most French toast bake recipes are designed to be assembled the night before and baked in the morning. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture.

How long does overnight French toast bake last?

Properly stored, baked overnight French toast can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it's cooled completely before refrigerating.

Can you freeze overnight French toast bake?

Yes, you can freeze overnight French toast bake either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

What is the best bread to use for overnight French toast bake?

Challah, brioche, or French bread are excellent choices for overnight French toast bake. Their texture allows them to absorb the custard well without becoming mushy.

Do you have to refrigerate overnight French toast bake?

Yes, you must refrigerate overnight French toast bake after assembling it and before baking. This prevents bacterial growth.

How do you keep French toast bake from being soggy?

Use day-old bread, ensure the bread is arranged in a single layer (or mostly single), and don't oversoak it in the custard mixture. Baking it thoroughly also helps prevent sogginess.

Family Overnight French Toast Bake: Your Secret to Effortless, Crowd-Pleasing Mornings 2026

Family Overnight French Toast Bake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This make-ahead breakfast bake transforms day-old bread into a custardy, cinnamon-spiced delight with a buttery crumb topping. Prepared the night before, it bakes up golden and puffed for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing morning. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 55min
Total Time: 9h 15min
Yield: 12 squares 1x
Category: breakfast
Method: baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (16 oz) day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread bread cubes evenly in dish.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Pour custard evenly over bread. Press bread gently with a spatula to submerge.
For topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over soaked bread.
Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let dish sit at room temperature while oven heats.
Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until top is golden brown and center is set.
Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm.

Notes

Use stale bread for best absorption. Do not skip the overnight chill. For a blueberry version, scatter 1-2 cups berries over bread before adding custard. Leftovers reheat well in oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12
Calories: 380
Sugar: 25
Sodium: 320
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 10
Unsaturated Fat: 6
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 10
Cholesterol: 165

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/family-overnight-french-toast-bake/