Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole

Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole will become your go-to recipe when you’re hosting kids’ sleepovers, brunches, or when the unexpected overnight guest shows up! Taking under 10 minutes to put together, it’s made the night before, and then baked into a delicious overnight french toast bake.

The caramel sauce is really what sets this recipe apart from any other. The brown sugar and butter caramelize while baking to create this crunchy outside while keeping the rest of the casserole moist.

It’s also fun for kids to watch it being served. The caramel sauce is on the bottom of the pan, but is served on the top – you flip the French toast to serve. You use a flipper to remove the bread and caramel from the pan, then flip the whole thing over onto a plate. Fun for all!

Make this recipe ahead of time by prepping the night before, refrigerating overnight and baking in the morning. It is the ultimate breakfast casserole to serve for any weekend brunch, holiday breakfast or special occasion!

Ingredients

• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 6 slices thick sliced bread (gluten-free if needed)
• maple syrup optional

How To Make French Toast Casserole

Begin by combining eggs, milk, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, ensuring a thorough mix. Allow this egg mixture to rest while you move on to the next steps.

In a baking pan, create a base by spreading melted butter and generously sprinkling brown sugar over it. Place slices of bread on top, setting the base for the casserole.

Now, bring together the prepared egg mixture and the bread ensemble. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring an even coating. Cover the pan and let the ingredients meld and chill overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to intensify.

On the following day, it’s time to bring your creation to life. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the casserole in to bake for 45 minutes. The uncovered baking allows the aroma to permeate the kitchen, creating anticipation for the delicious outcome.

Once the casserole is done, use a flipper to carefully extract the bread from the pan. The delightful twist awaits as you serve the casserole upside down, with the caramel sauce now adorning the top. This simple yet flavorful egg casserole is ready to be enjoyed, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

How do you keep French Toast from getting soggy?

Choosing the right bread for French toast is the key to keep it from getting soggy. This recipe uses Texas toast, which is the perfect thickness. Brioche, challah, sourdough or another crusty bread variety are all great options for French toast.

Using stale bread is another way to prevent soggy French toast – especially when making French toast casserole. Since stale bread has less moisture than fresh, it will soak up the egg custard then bake with a soft center and crispy outside. If you don’t have stale thick bread, buy a loaf and let it sit on the counter for the day then prep this recipe at night.

Recipe Tips:

• Make it dairy-free by swapping the milk for non-dairy milk. Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk and soy milk are great alternatives.
• Add vanilla, almond or orange extract (1-2 teaspoons) to the egg mixture for a boost of flavor.
• Spice it up by adding nutmeg, cloves, allspice or pumpkin pie spice to the egg custard mixture in addition to the cinnamon.
• Cook uncovered if aiming for a nice golden brown top with a soft center.
• Prep at night and bake the next day for a hassle-free morning.

FAQs:

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Once the French Toast Casserole has been baked and any leftovers remain, allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the casserole. Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking.
• Storage Duration: For optimal taste and texture, eat the refrigerated French Toast Casserole within 2 to 3 days. The longer it stays in the refrigerator, the texture may change.
• Freezing: If you plan to store the casserole for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Cut the casserole into individual portions or wrap the entire dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
• Thawing: When ready to enjoy the frozen French Toast Casserole, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before serving. Thawing in the refrigerator ensures a more even and controlled thawing process, preserving the texture and flavor.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed French Toast Casserole in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for a quick option.

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