Mornings can be hectic, but with this Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole, you can wake up to a delightful breakfast without the hassle. Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and freshly baked bread filling your home. This indulgent casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and make-ahead convenience. All you need to do is prepare it the night before, let the flavors meld together, and pop it into the oven in the morning. In no time, you’ll have a golden, crispy-on-the-outside, and deliciously gooey-on-the-inside French toast casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
- Butter or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish and spread them evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- If using raisins, stir them into the egg mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure they are evenly coated and submerged.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
- In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the foil or plastic wrap from the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve this Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole warm, drizzled with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to conquer the day. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat with your loved ones and create lasting memories around the table.
