Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping Made Easy

Wake up to Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping, an easy and comforting breakfast that you can prepare ahead of time for busy mornings. This delightful dish combines soft, custardy bread soaked in a rich custard base with a sweet and crunchy streusel topping. It’s like the best parts of French toast and a crumbly coffee cake rolled into one. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect way to impress your family or guests while enjoying a stress-free start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare everything the night before and sleep soundly knowing breakfast is ready to bake in the morning.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The cinnamon-spiced custard pairs perfectly with the buttery, crunchy streusel for an irresistible taste.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole scales up easily, making it an excellent choice for family brunch or holiday mornings.
• Texture Wonderland: Soft, tender bread meets a crispy crumb topping, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Customizable to Your Liking: Easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs or personal preferences with different breads or spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping are simple, straightforward pantry and fridge staples that work together to deliver incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a key role, from the custard that soaks the bread to the sweet crumb topping that bakes golden and crisp.

• Bread: Use sturdy bread like brioche or challah for that perfect custardy soak without turning mushy.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and give the custard its rich, creamy texture.
• Milk and Cream: A combination that adds richness and mellows the spices.
• Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and depth to the custard and topping.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that are essential for that cozy breakfast feel.
• Butter: Used in the streusel topping, it provides that irresistible buttery crunch.
• Flour: Helps bind the streusel into a crumbly, crunchy topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.

Variations for Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor the Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping to your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free bread and use gluten-free flour for the streusel topping.
• Fruit-Infused: Add fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or peaches between the bread layers for natural sweetness and color.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter to keep things dairy-free and animal-friendly.
• Spice Play: Experiment with cardamom, cloves, or ginger along with or instead of cinnamon to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut your chosen bread into cubes or slices about 1 inch thick. The bread should be slightly stale or toasted to help it hold up when soaked in the custard mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. This rich custard will soak into the bread, making it soft and flavorful.

Step 3: Layer the Bread and Pour Custard

Place the bread cubes in a greased casserole dish, spreading them evenly. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly and the butter is the size of small peas. This topping will bake crisp and golden.

Step 5: Add the Streusel and Refrigerate Overnight

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked bread. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate it overnight or at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Bake

In the morning, preheat your oven, uncover the casserole, and bake until golden brown and bubbling, typically 45-55 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping

• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks custard better without falling apart.
• Don’t Skip the Streusel: The crumbly topping adds texture and flavor contrast that makes this dish special.
• Press the Bread Down: Gently pressing the bread into the custard helps the liquid soak evenly.
• Cover Well When Refrigerating: Prevents the casserole from drying out and helps flavors meld.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: This lets the custard set for easier scooping and better texture.

How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping

Garnishes

Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream bring an extra touch of flavor and elegance to your servings.

Side Dishes

Pair this breakfast casserole with crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a refreshing green smoothie to round out your morning meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming touch or turn it into a portable breakfast by packing slices for a picnic or brunch gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover overnight French toast casserole with streusel topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked casserole portions by wrapping them tightly and storing in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through to keep the streusel crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this casserole?

While you can use various breads, dense breads like brioche, challah, or French bread work best as they absorb the custard without becoming mushy, ensuring the perfect texture.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?

Yes, refrigerating overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, enhancing flavor and texture, and helps the streusel topping stay crumbly after baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter or coconut oil in the streusel topping to make a dairy-free version.

How do I make the streusel topping crunchy?

Use cold butter cut into small pieces and mix it into the flour and sugar until crumbly, then bake uncovered. The cold butter creates pockets of crunch as it melts during baking.

Can I add fruit to the casserole?

Yes, adding fresh or frozen berries, sliced apples, or peaches between the bread layers adds natural sweetness and a burst of flavor that complements the custard and streusel beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping is truly one of those magical make-ahead breakfasts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its ease, flavor, and comforting texture make it a go-to recipe for busy mornings, special occasions, or weekends when you want a cozy treat without the hassle. Give it a try, and you’ll wake up excited for breakfast every day!

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