Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

I crafted my best overnight French toast breakfast casserole featuring hearty chunks of French bread soaked in a blend of eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream. The addition of melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon creates a recipe I call Healthy Overnight French Toast with a twist on classic flavors.

I discovered this overnight breakfast casserole after one hectic morning when I needed something tasty and quick. I mixed a cut up loaf of French bread (about 10 cups cubed) with 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream.

I also added 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted perfectly, with 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. This recipe is a fresh twist on a classic overnight French toast casserole and its both healthy and fast to prepare.

It doubles as a healthy sweet breakfast casserole and an easy premade breakfast for busy days. After chilling overnight, you wake up to delicious flavors that save time.

Trust me, once you try this quick egg casserole idea, your mornings will never be the same. Enjoy the effortless flavors of this tasty treat.

You simply have to try it dont wait.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it lets me prep everything the night before so I don’t have to stress in the morning. I also love how the French bread soaks up all the egg and cream mixture, making every bite super tasty. Another reason is that it turns out with that perfect mix of crispy edges and a soft, custardy center. Lastly, I really like sharing it with my family since its a fun and delicious breakfast that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

• French bread is loaded with carbs, provides structure and a bit of fiber that holds the dish together.
• Eggs add quality protein and a rich, custard-like texture to the casserole, making it hearty.
• Whole milk gives a creamy flavor with essential fats and vitamins for a balanced taste.
• Heavy cream boosts the dish’s richness and velvety mouthfeel, making it extra indulgent.
• Granulated sugar sprinkles in gentle sweetness that balances the savory and creamy elements.
• Ground cinnamon brings warm spice that cuts through the richness with subtle flavor notes.
• Unsalted butter lends moisture and enhances flavor without masking the natural ingredient tastes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf French bread (about 10 cups cubed)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

1. First preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Cube about a loaf of French bread (you should have roughly 10 cups of cubes) and put them evenly into your prepared dish.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter that you melted, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until it all looks well mixed.

4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes so they all get soaked thoroughly.

5. Cover your baking dish with foil (make sure its tightly sealed) and then stick it in the fridge overnight so the bread can really absorb all the flavors.

6. The next morning, remove the foil and let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature.

7. Put the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the edges are just turning a nice golden brown.

8. Check if its done by inserting a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, you are ready to take it out.

9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving it up.

10. Enjoy your best ever overnight French toast breakfast casserole with your family or friends!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – used to bake the casserole at 350°F
2. 9×13 inch baking dish – for holding the bread cubes and egg mixture
3. Knife and cutting board – needed for cubing the French bread
4. Large mixing bowl – where you’ll whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt
5. Whisk – essential for properly blending all the ingredients
6. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure liquids and spices
7. Aluminum foil – to cover the dish tightly during the overnight soaking in the fridge
8. Refrigerator – for overnight cooling to let the bread absorb the flavors
9. Toothpick – used to test if the casserole is done by coming out clean when inserted into the center

FAQ

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• French bread: Use challah or brioche instead if you want a richer flavor or even a good quality ciabatta works too
• Whole milk: You could swap in 2% milk or even skim milk if you’re aiming to lower the fat content. Evaporated milk mixed with a bit of water can also do the trick
• Heavy cream: Try using half-and-half, or make your own by combining 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup melted butter to get a similar richness
• Unsalted butter: If you only got salted butter, you can use it instead, just remember to reduce other salt amounts in the recipe a little. Coconut oil can be a dairy-free alternative too
• Granulated sugar: Brown sugar works well for a deeper flavor, or you can go for honey as a natural sweetener if you prefer

Pro Tips

1. Let the casserole soak in the fridge overnight really helps the bread absorb all the custard and flavors. Its a game changer even though i know it seems like extra time.

2. Use milk and cream that are at room temperature if you can. Cold ingredients sometimes mess up how evenly the mixture gets distributed and leave some parts drier than others.

3. If you want extra crispy edges, take off the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking so the top can brown up a bit more and get that crunch.

4. After you pull it out of the oven, let it sit a few minutes to rest. This little wait lets the custard set a little more so you dont get a messy slice on your plate.