Can you prepare French toast casserole the night before?

Yes, preparing a French Toast Breakfast Casserole the night before is ideal! Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for a richer flavor and texture. Bake as directed the next morning.

What is the best bread to use for French toast casserole?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are excellent choices for French Toast Breakfast Casserole. Their soft texture and ability to absorb the custard make them ideal. Stale bread works even better!

How long does French toast casserole last?

A baked French Toast Breakfast Casserole will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, properly stored in an airtight container. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven.

How do you keep French toast casserole from being soggy?

Using slightly stale bread, ensuring the bread is in a single layer when assembling, and not over-soaking the bread are keys to preventing sogginess. Also, baking it uncovered for the last portion of the baking time helps to evaporate excess moisture.

What goes well with French toast casserole?

French Toast Breakfast Casserole pairs perfectly with fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), whipped cream, maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a side of crispy bacon or sausage.

Can you freeze French toast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze a baked or unbaked French Toast Breakfast Casserole. For unbaked, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. For baked, let it cool completely before wrapping. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking (if unbaked) or reheating (if baked).

French Toast Breakfast Casserole With a Custardy Center and Crisp Top 2026

French Toast Breakfast Casserole

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This French Toast Breakfast Casserole turns a classic breakfast into an easy, crowd-pleasing bake. It features a custardy center of soaked bread with a crisp, buttery streusel topping. Perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or holiday morning.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 50min
Total Time: 1h 15min
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: breakfast
Method: baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the streusel topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

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Instructions

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Whisk in the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, vanilla, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
Slowly pour the melted butter into the custard while whisking continuously.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to ensure all bread is soaked. Cover and let soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
For the streusel: In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, optional nuts, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and work it in with your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp and the center is set (it may have a slight jiggle).
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with additional maple syrup.

Notes

Using stale, dry bread is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole. If using fresh bread, cube and toast it on a sheet pan at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to dry it out first. The soak time is essential for a custardy texture. The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12
Calories: 420
Sugar: 25
Sodium: 300
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 11
Unsaturated Fat: 9
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 11
Cholesterol: 185

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/french-toast-breakfast-casserole/