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Morning Overnight French Toast Bake

Golden brown overnight French toast bake with caramelized crust and blueberries.

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This is the ultimate secret to effortless breakfast bliss. Transform a simple loaf of bread into a warm, custardy casserole that feeds a crowd with zero morning stress. Assemble it the night before, let the fridge do the work, and wake up to a kitchen that smells like a cozy diner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf (about 16 oz) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cubed bread in an even layer.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Whisk in the milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is all soaked.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 12 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from fridge and discard the plastic wrap.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar into a paste. Dollop this mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown, puffed, and the center is set.
  8. Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread. Do not skip the overnight soak; it is crucial for the custardy texture. You can add 1-2 cups of blueberries or other mix-ins with the bread cubes before adding the custard. For a croissant version, use 6-8 large day-old croissants torn into pieces.

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