Description
Overnight French Toast is a rich, make-ahead brunch classic that blends custardy interiors with crisped, cinnamon-sugar tops. It’s endlessly flexible, perfect for both sweet and savory twists, and ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal morning prep.
Ingredients
1 loaf thick-cut bread (e.g., brioche, challah, sourdough), slightly stale
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Butter or oil for greasing dish
Optional toppings: sliced bananas, maple syrup, whipped mascarpone
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Layer sliced bread densely in the dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4. Slowly pour custard mixture over the bread.
5. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (8+ hours).
6. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking.
7. Bake at 350°F for 40–50 minutes until golden and just set.
8. Serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
Use day-old or toasted bread to avoid sogginess.
Substitute dairy with almond or oat milk; try flax eggs for egg-free.
For savory versions, add gruyère and bacon; for sweet, try berries and citrus zest.
Freeze portions individually for a quick reheat breakfast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: overnight french toast, brunch, make-ahead breakfast, baked french toast