This Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole can be made ahead and baked fresh in the morning – serve with berries and maple syrup!
You're looking at my own family's go-to recipe for Christmas morning! It's so comforting and feeds a crowd – we serve it with maple breakfast sausages on the side for some protein.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Make ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before, then pop it in the oven in the morning. Easy-peasy!
- Perfect for the holidays: It's great for Christmas morning, Mother's Day brunch, and other holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Loaf of bread – brioche, challah and French bread are best.
- Eggs – use a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Milk – use any dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice.
- Maple syrup – honey or brown sugar can be used, but will have a different flavour.
- Cinnamon – pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg would also be good.
- Butter – or a butter substitute like margarine.
- Frozen mixed berries – fresh berries would also be good.
Toppings
- Icing sugar – leave this off if you don’t have any on hand.
- Maple syrup – honey, almond butter or jam would all be yummy.
- Fresh berries – top with other fruit like banana or peaches.
How to make French toast casserole
Step 1: Cut the bread.
Cut into 1-2 inch cubes.
Step 2: Whisk the eggs.
Whisk the eggs and milk together, then add the maple syrup and cinnamon.
Step 3: Soak the bread.
Toss the bread in the egg mixture and let it sit overnight.
Step 4: Top with berries and bake.
Drizzle the bread with butter, top with berries and bake in the oven.
Recipe tips and variations
Here are my top tips for making this overnight French toast casserole:
- Use slightly stale bread: This'll prevent the bread from getting soggy while it soaks.
- Use frozen berries: Add the frozen fruit before baking so the juices soak into the casserole.
- Try different flavours: Try pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, vanilla extract, ginger, cloves, orange or lemon zest.
- Make it gluten or dairy free: Use gluten-free bread and/or dairy-free milk.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?
It may need more baking time. Cover with foil if it’s browning too quickly on top but still soft inside.
Why shouldn't I use fresh bread?
Using bread that’s too fresh can lead to a soggy texture. Day-old or slightly dried-out bread absorbs the mixture better and holds its shape during baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, just use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
What to serve with French toast casserole
This sweet casserole pairs perfectly with any of these sides:
- Scrambled eggs or egg bites
- Breakfast sausages
- Homemade salted caramel mocha
- Fruit and yogurt parfait
How to store and reheat
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store covered in the fridge. Bake fresh in the morning.
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freeze and reheat from frozen: Freeze casserole without the berries for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
More make-ahead breakfast ideas
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this recipe into your leftovers.
Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- icing sugar, for topping
- maple syrup, for topping
- 1 cup fresh berries, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut bread into 1-2 inch cubes. Set aside.
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a very large bowl until well mixed. Add maple syrup and cinnamon, stirring well. Add in cubes of bread and toss until combined. Let sit for 5 min or up to 12 hours overnight.
- Grease an 9×13 oven safe dish and add bread to it, then drizzle with butter and top with frozen berries. Bake in the oven for 30 min.
- Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with maple syrup and fresh berries. Enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Sona says
Can you give a more accurate amount for the bread. Like how many cups of cubed bread, or the size loaf you’re using.
Taylor Stinson says
It ends up being about 8-10 cups of bread depending on the loaf used.
valerie says
what temp and how long do you bake this for?
Taylor Stinson says
It’s in the recipe card. 350 F 30 min
Hannah says
How long would you soak sourdough?
Taylor Stinson says
It should be the same amount of time!
Jennifer says
This recipe is SO GOOD!!! I made it for a late night supper because my husband had to work until almost midnight and I wanted something easy. When he walked in the door he said “what are you making for dinner? It really smells good!” And, it was. I made it according to the recipe and it was great! Thank you!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you both enjoyed! 🙂
Amanda Lynch says
Could I make this fully the night before and just rewarm it the next morning?
Taylor Stinson says
Yes you could 🙂