Overnight french toast casserole topped with a brown sugar crumble and berries. A delicious spin on the classic and perfect for holiday gatherings or Sunday brunch!
Table of Contents
Baked French Toast Casserole
I love traditional French toast, but this overnight casserole version is my go-to when serving a crowd. You can easily make it in advance to free up some time on the morning of your big gathering. It’s so nice to already have breakfast taken care of!
One of my favorite parts about the holidays is the food. I love cooking for family and friends and enjoying a delicious meal together. However on days like Christmas morning, the last place I want to be is in the kitchen.
That’s why I love this berry french toast casserole. It’s perfect for days like Christmas, when you want to just put something in the oven and enjoy time with the family. You can make it the day before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. You’ll have a delicious homemade breakfast ready AND be able to spend time with your family!
How to Make Overnight French Toast
- ASSEMBLE. This recipe starts with a French bread base. Slice the bread into cubes and add it to your baking dish. Then whisk together the milk, eggs, brown sugar and cinnamon and pour the egg mixture on top. This will sit overnight and soak up nicely into the bread.
- TOP. Then you’ll add a brown sugar crumble topping and berries to the top of the bread right before baking. I love using frozen mixed berries because we always have them on hand in the freezer. They give it the perfect sweet flavor!
- BAKE. I love to cook my casserole the full hour so that the top of the bread becomes a little caramelized/toasted and the center is cooked through. If you’d like the center more of a bread pudding texture, I would take it out about 15 minutes sooner. Either way it’s delicious!
Helpful Tips
- Bread. I like to use thick, day old French bread or French baguette, so that it doesn’t become soggy. Sourdough, brioche or challah bread work great also.
- Soaking. The bread cubes need to soak in the milk mixture for at least 3 hours. But you’ll get the most flavor if you let it soak overnight. Make sure to pour the milk mixture evenly over the bread so that it covers each piece.
- Consistency. Cook for 1 hour for a crispy and caramelized texture. If you prefer it softer and more gooey, cook for 45 minutes.
Variations
There are many ways to make this overnight French toast your own! Swap the berries for sliced apples or peaches, or omit the fruit all-together and mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans. You can also add in some vanilla extract or nutmeg to the egg mixture to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Toppings for Serving
Although this casserole tastes delicious as-is, you can also add a few extra toppings to take it up a notch. Any of the below would taste amazing:
- Powdered sugar
- Extra sprinkle of cinnamon
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon pancake syrup
- More fresh berries
- Whipped cream
5 star review
“I have made this several times. I actually put the topping on the same day and then refrigerate the night before. I add tons of blackberries, strawberries, blueberries on top. It’s great for entertaining a brunch. I made several for about 16 and it was a hit. The recipe was actually repeated by several of the ladies at their functions. It’s so delicious. I actually served it with whip cream. Enjoy!!!!”
– Grace
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Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
French Toast:
- 1 loaf day old french bread (sour dough or challah work great too, about 10 cups)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 7 large eggs
- ¾ cup light brown sugar , packed
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch Kosher salt
Topping:
- ½ cup salted butter (cubed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar , packed
- 1 cup berries (I used frozen)
Instructions
- Pour evenly over the bread, making sure it covers each piece. Cover with foil and refrigerate over night, or at least 3 hours.
- In a medium size bowl, mix together the butter, flour and brown sugar with a pastry cutter or two knives. Use your hands if needed to make crumbs. Cover and refrigerate.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Add the crumb topping on top of the bread and then evenly disperse the berries on top. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is cooked through.
- Enjoy by itself or topped with syrup.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
This was so delicious !! Perfect for 4th of July brunch. I served with a quick 5’ blueberry sauce but it really didn’t need it but was a nice addition – just sweet enough.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
I have made this several times. I actually put the topping on the same day and then refrigerate the night before. I add tons of blackberries,strawberries,blueberries on top. It’s great for entertaining a brunch. I made several for about 16 and it was a hit. The recipe was actually repeated by several of the ladies at their functions. It’s so delicious. I actually served it with whip cream. Enjoy!!!!
I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for leaving a comment and review Grace! :)
Out of this world! Absolute must. Incredible. Cant say enough good things.
I’m so glad you loved it! Thanks for leaving a comment Dawn!
Can you make 3 days ahead, bake it then freeze.
The texture might change a bit, but I think that should be fine!
Could you use almond milk instead? Can’t wait to try!
Yes, that should be fine! Hope you enjoy! :)
This recipe rocks! Made for Sunday morning….cut in half, since there is only 2 of us. Puffed up nicely, and adding warm Maple syrup made this dish a keeper!
Thanks
PS: No fruit was added in my version, next time raisins…….
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and review!
I don’t have day old French bread. Is that ok? I wasn’t going to soak overnight
Yes that will work :D
Oh my goodness! This is SO good! I made It to try first before taking it in a family ski trip with 11 people, and it turned out really well. No syrup needed! I will Be making two casseroles and couldn’t be happier to find this recipe to try. The women always make a breakfast and dinner each and I’m always looking for new recipes to try! This was a great find! Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed the overnight french toast! Sounds perfect for a family ski trip :)
My kids love French toast and this recipe is perfect for them. I will modify the fruit though.
Hope you enjoy! :)
Can’t wait to make this for Christmas morning breakfast!
Hope you enjoy as much as we do! Love overnight recipes for Christmas morning!