Overnight French toast is a delightful and convenient breakfast option that allows you to prepare everything the night before and simply bake it in the morning. This dish is perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or any time you want a delicious breakfast without the morning rush. With its rich, custardy texture and sweet, cinnamon flavor, overnight French toast is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping them slightly.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all the bread is soaked. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Bake the French Toast: Uncover the baking dish and drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let the French toast cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of bread? A: Yes, you can use any sturdy bread like challah, sourdough, or even leftover sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or dry it out in the oven before using it.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Absolutely! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for the melted butter.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze overnight French toast? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked French toast. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: What can I add to the custard for extra flavor? A: You can add a variety of flavors to the custard, such as a splash of orange juice, a teaspoon of almond extract, or a tablespoon of maple syrup. You can also mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: What toppings go well with overnight French toast? A: Some delicious toppings include powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also serve it with a side of bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.
This overnight French toast is a delicious and convenient breakfast option that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, custardy texture and sweet, cinnamon flavor make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Enjoy!