The aroma wafting through my kitchen on a Sunday morning is a ritual I cherish, especially when preparing my Overnight French Toast Casserole with Bacon. This effortless masterpiece marries the sweetness of creamy eggs, toasted bread, and a hint of aromatic spices, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re gearing up for a family brunch or simply treating yourself, this delightful recipe is a comforting, no-fuss way to start your day. Plus, with the savory addition of crispy bacon, it transforms breakfast into something truly special. Best of all, it’s easily prepped the night before, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Ready to bring a little magic to your mornings with this hearty dish? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is Overnight French Toast a favorite? Easy Preparation: This recipe allows you to prep everything the night before, making your morning hassle-free. Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for feeding family or friends at brunch gatherings—everyone loves it! Savory and Sweet: The combination of creamy eggs and crispy bacon creates a harmonious flavor balance that’s hard to resist. Customizable: Want to switch things up? You can easily replace the bacon with fresh fruit or even different types of bread like brioche for an elevated twist. Indulge in this Overnight French Toast Casserole for an effortlessly delightful breakfast that brings joy to any table! You might also enjoy pairing it with Roll French Toast for a delicious twist on the classic. Overnight French Toast Ingredients For the Casserole Cubed Bread – The foundation of your casserole; stale bread helps absorb the egg mixture better. Eggs – Provide richness and bind everything together; flax eggs can be a great substitute for a vegan option. Milk – Adds creaminess; any milk type works, but almond milk offers a delicious dairy-free choice. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; feel free to omit it if you’re keeping an eye on sodium intake. Granulated Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness; brown sugar can deepen the flavor beautifully. King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract – Infuses aromatic sweetness; using your homemade vanilla adds a personal flair. Cinnamon – Lends a warm spice note that enhances the comfort of this dish; pumpkin pie spice makes a lovely alternative. Nutmeg – Provides a distinct warmth; use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish. Bacon or Breakfast Sausage (optional) – Adds savory flavor and protein to elevate this overnight French toast; skip it for a vegetarian version. Cinnamon Sugar (optional) – Sprinkle on top for a caramelized finish; it’s easily made at home by mixing sugar with cinnamon. This collection of ingredients promises a delightful Overnight French Toast experience that captures comfort and flavor, perfect for sharing with family and friends! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Overnight French Toast Step 1: Prep the Bread Begin by spreading your cubed bread in an even layer on a cookie sheet. Allow the bread to dry out for about an hour; this helps it absorb the egg mixture better. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be slightly stale for the ultimate Overnight French Toast texture. Step 2: Mix Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This rich mixture should be smooth and creamy, with the spices thoroughly blended in, setting the foundation for your savory and sweet casserole delight. Step 3: Assemble Casserole Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of the dried bread cubes in the dish, followed by scattering half the crispy bacon or sausage on top. Then, add the remaining bread and finish with the other half of the meat, creating a satisfying, hearty base for your Overnight French Toast. Step 4: Soak Bread Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the assembled bread and meat, ensuring that all the pieces are well-coated. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it soak up the mixture—focusing on those dry edges—then let it sit for a few moments to really absorb the flavors. Step 5: Chill Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the casserole to chill for at least four hours, or overnight if you have time. This soaking process is vital for achieving that custardy texture synonymous with a delicious Overnight French Toast. Step 6: Bake When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and, if desired, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top for a sweet and caramelized finish. Bake for 60-70 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and the center is set, a lovely visual cue to know it’s ready! Step 7: Serve Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup if you’d like an extra touch of sweetness. This Overnight French Toast is perfect for gathering around the table with family and friends, making your mornings special! How to Store and Freeze Overnight French Toast Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving. Freezer: Freeze the assembled, uncooked casserole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. Reheating: For optimal texture, reheat baked casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the Overnight French Toast crispy on top and soft inside. Make-Ahead Tips: You can assemble and soak the casserole the night before for a quick and easy breakfast that’s ready to bake in the morning! Expert Tips for Overnight French Toast Stale Bread is Key: Use slightly stale bread for better absorption of the egg mixture; fresh bread can make your casserole soggy instead of custardy. Refrigerate Overnight: Allow your casserole to soak overnight for maximum flavor and optimal texture; it helps meld the spices and enrich the custard. Baking Time Matters: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes; adjust the time as needed to ensure a perfectly set center and beautifully browned top. Top It Off: Consider adding fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or nuts before serving; it elevates the experience and brings a gourmet touch to your Overnight French Toast. Use Different Breads: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try brioche or challah for a richer flavor, enhancing the comforting goodness of your Overnight French Toast. What to Serve with Overnight French Toast Casserole? Elevate your breakfast experience by exploring delightful side dishes and beverages that perfectly complement this sweet and savory casserole. Fresh Fruit Salad: A burst of juicy berries and citrus adds color and a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Crispy Bacon: Enhance the savory notes with extra crispy bacon, creating that irresistible sweet and salty balance. Greek Yogurt Parfait: The creamy tang of yogurt layered with honey and granola offers a lighter addition to your breakfast table. Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm, real maple syrup over the casserole for a classic, sweet touch that brings all the flavors together. Whipped Cream: A cloud of freshly whipped cream on top adds lusciousness, making each bite of Overnight French Toast a dreamy treat. Savory Sausage Links: Juicy, flavorful sausage links provide a hearty protein option that pairs beautifully with the casserole’s sweetness. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Toasted bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar is a simple yet effective side that mirrors the flavors of the main dish. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of brewed coffee or herbal tea perfectly balances the sweetness, making it an inviting morning ritual. Consolidate your breakfast experience and savor every bite alongside these delectable pairings. Make Ahead Options These Overnight French Toast Casseroles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, making your busy mornings a breeze. To prepare ahead, follow the instructions until the chilling step: after soaking the bread in the egg mixture, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring your casserole retains its quality. When ready to bake, simply preheat your oven to 350°F, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired, and bake for 60-70 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy your delicious Overnight French Toast with minimal morning effort! Overnight French Toast Variations & Substitutions Customize your Overnight French Toast with these enticing ideas that will tantalize your taste buds and spark your creativity in the kitchen! Fruit-Filled: Replace bacon with fresh fruits like berries or diced apples for a burst of sweetness that brightens every bite. The juices from the fruit will meld beautifully with the egg mixture, creating a delightful surprise. Vegan Delight: Swap the eggs for flax eggs and the milk for almond milk to enjoy a plant-based version that’s equally delicious. You won’t miss the traditional ingredients; instead, embrace a wholesome, vegan-friendly treat! Brioche Bliss: Change the cubed bread to brioche for a richer, more luxurious casserole that elevates breakfast to a new level. The buttery texture of brioche will make each bite melt in your mouth. Add Spice: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to give the dish an unexpected twist that will pleasantly surprise your guests. A hint of nutmeg added to the mix can really elevate the flavor! Savory Twist: Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers along with the bacon for a savory breakfast casserole that’s packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to include some veggies in your morning meal! Cinnamon Roll Inspired: Top your casserole with a cream cheese frosting or drizzle some icing over it after baking for a truly indulgent, cinnamon roll-inspired twist. This will truly elevate your breakfast experience! Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the casserole for a delightful crunch and added texture. The nuts offer a beautiful contrast to the soft, custardy interior. Enjoy experimenting with these variations, and don’t hesitate to pair your Overnight French Toast with my Roll French Toast for an exciting breakfast adventure! Overnight French Toast Casserole with Bacon Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best bread for this Overnight French Toast? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using slightly stale bread or letting fresh bread cubes dry out for about an hour before assembling. This helps absorb the egg mixture, yielding that delightful custardy texture. Breads like brioche or challah add richness, while sturdier loaves like sourdough provide a pleasant contrast. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience or in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep that crispy top. Can I freeze the Overnight French Toast casserole? Yes, indeed! To freeze, wrap the uncooked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before following the baking instructions. What if my casserole is soggy after baking? No worries! If you find your casserole soggy, it might be because the bread was too fresh or not dried out long enough before soaking. For next time, ensure you use stale bread and let it dry for about an hour before soaking in the egg mixture. This will help absorb the moisture more effectively and give you that perfect custard-like texture. Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! You can easily veganize this Overnight French Toast by substituting regular eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken) and using almond milk or any other plant-based milk in place of regular milk. The flavors will still shine through beautifully! Is there a good way to customize the flavors? Very much so! You can switch up the spices by using cardamom or allspice for an exciting twist. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter version, toss in some fresh fruits like apples or berries instead of bacon, which will create a deliciously fruity contrast to the custard-like base. The more the merrier when it comes to flavors! Delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole for Easy Mornings Enjoy a comforting Overnight French Toast with bacon, perfectly prepped the night before for hassle-free mornings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes minsChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole8 cups Cubed Bread Stale bread is preferable.6 large Eggs Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute.2 cups Milk Almond milk is a great dairy-free option.1 teaspoon Salt Optional; can be omitted.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Can substitute with brown sugar.1 tablespoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract Homemade vanilla adds a personal touch.1 teaspoon Cinnamon Pumpkin pie spice can be an alternative.1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Use sparingly.8 slices Bacon or Breakfast Sausage Optional; skip for a vegetarian version.1/4 cup Cinnamon Sugar Optional, for topping. Equipment 9" x 13" baking dishMixing BowlwhiskCookie sheetSpatulaPlastic Wrap Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Overnight French ToastBegin by spreading your cubed bread in an even layer on a cookie sheet. Allow the bread to dry out for about an hour.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.Grease a 9" x 13" baking dish. Layer half of the dried bread cubes in the dish, followed by half the crispy bacon or sausage on top. Add the remaining bread and finish with the other half of the meat.Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the assembled bread and meat, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Gently press the bread down with a spatula.Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the casserole to chill for at least four hours or overnight.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle cinnamon sugar if desired, and bake for 60-70 minutes until golden brown and center is set.Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesUsing stale bread helps absorb the egg mixture better. Refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor, and consider topping with fresh fruit or powdered sugar before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
