Description
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping is an easy and comforting make-ahead breakfast combining soft, custardy bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-spiced custard with a sweet, crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for busy mornings, family brunches, or holiday gatherings, this dish offers a delightful contrast between tender bread and crisp crumb, customizable to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Custard
- 6–8 cups sturdy bread cubes (brioche, challah, or French bread), about 1 inch thick
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut your chosen bread into cubes or slices about 1 inch thick. Using slightly stale or toasted bread helps it hold up when soaked in the custard mixture.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This custard will soak into the bread, making it flavorful and tender.
- Layer the Bread and Pour Custard: Place the bread cubes evenly in a greased casserole dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down to help the bread absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly with butter pieces the size of small peas, which will bake crisp and golden.
- Add the Streusel and Refrigerate Overnight: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the soaked bread. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to fully absorb custard.
- Bake: In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best custard absorption without mushiness.
- Don’t skip the streusel topping as it adds a delicious crunchy texture and flavor contrast.
- Gently press the bread into the custard mixture to ensure even soaking.
- Cover the casserole well when refrigerating to prevent drying out and enhance flavor melding.
- Allow the baked casserole to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing and better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, streusel topping, make-ahead breakfast, cinnamon French toast