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Overnight French Toast Casserole

A delightful and easy make-ahead breakfast casserole filled with the warm flavors of vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy morning.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base
  • 1 loaf loaf of bread (preferably challah or brioche) Can use leftover bread for reduced waste.
  • 8 large large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed Adds pockets of creamy delight.
For Serving
  • to taste Maple syrup For drizzling on top.
  • to taste Powdered sugar For dusting before serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and cut the bread into cubes. Layer half of the bread in the dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour half of this mixture over the bread.
  3. Cube the cream cheese and sprinkle it over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes and pour the rest of the egg mixture over everything.
  4. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Baking
  1. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffy.
Serving
  1. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard more effectively. Experiment with spices and toppings like nutmeg or nuts for extra flavor.