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Ultimate Overnight French Toast Bake - Homefoodkitchen

Overnight French Toast Bake

This Overnight French Toast Bake is a game-changing recipe that allows you to prepare a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast the night before. The bread soaks in a rich, spiced custard overnight and is baked with a buttery brown sugar topping, resulting in a caramelized, crispy top and a soft, bread-pudding-like center. It's the perfect stress-free solution for holiday mornings or special weekend brunches.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast, preferably a day old, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp for custard, 1 tsp for topping)
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp for custard, 1/2 tsp for topping)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp light corn syrup

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • small bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare Your Pan and Bread: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread your bread cubes in an even layer in the dish.
  2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
  3. Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure all the pieces are coated and beginning to absorb the custard.
  4. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  5. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your baking dish out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats up.
  6. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until it forms a crumbly, paste-like mixture.
  7. Top and Bake: Dollop or crumble the topping mixture evenly over the surface of the soaked bread.
  8. Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The bake is done when the top is golden brown and crispy, and the center is set (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean).
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the Easy Baked French Toast rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape. Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use day-old or slightly dry bread to prevent sogginess. Room temperature eggs create a smoother custard. You can use other breads like challah, brioche, or sourdough. For variations, add berries, nuts, orange zest, or make it dairy-free by substituting with plant-based milk and butter. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are best reheated in the oven.