Indulging in an Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole is like giving yourself a warm hug on a cozy morning. Imagine the rich flavors of brioche bread soaking in a creamy custard, sweetened just right with maple syrup and kissed by fragrant cinnamon. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The best part? You make it the night before, so your mornings are stress-free and delicious. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with a captivating aroma that will tempt everyone out of bed. So, gather your family for a special breakfast experience that feels fancy but is super simple to whip up. Let’s explore why this dish is loved by so many and how you can make it at home!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating the perfect Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole is all about finding that wonderful balance of flavors. The sweet maple syrup mixes harmoniously with warm cinnamon, offering a taste that dances on your palate. The star of our dish, stale brioche, absorbs the rich custard beautifully. Each bite is magically infused with taste, making it a breakfast delight that is satisfying and hearty.
Additionally, the make-ahead convenience truly shines with this dish. You can prepare it the night before, allowing you to sleep in while it cooks. Just imagine waking up to a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort on your part!
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole
The appeal of this casserole goes beyond the impressive flavors. As it bakes, an enchanting aroma fills your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere. It’s perfect for gatherings, holiday brunches, or even a cozy family breakfast on a Sunday morning.
What’s even better? There’s a dairy-free option! By using oat or almond milk, you can cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste. This versatility makes the Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole a beloved choice for many.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious breakfast experience:
- 1 loaf brioche bread (stale is best), 14-16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 â…” cups oat milk or unsweetened almond milk (vanilla or plain)
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- â…“ cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Optional Toppings: fresh berries, maple syrup, and/or powdered sugar
Preparing the Casserole Night Before
Combine the Ingredients
To get started, lightly grease a 9×13″ baking pan with nonstick spray or butter. Next, add the cubed brioche to the greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly.
Mix the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oat or almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisking until everything is well combined creates a delightful custard that will soak into the bread.
Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture over the bread and gently mix with your hands. It’s key to ensure all pieces are fully saturated. Once done, cover the dish with tin foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. If you’re looking for the best results, letting it sit overnight works wonders!
Baking the Casserole Day Of
Preheat the Oven
Before you begin baking, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Streusel Topping
While the oven heats, grab a small mixing bowl. Combine the flour, coconut sugar, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then, cut in the cubed butter using two knives or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will add a lovely crunch.
Assemble and Bake
After the oven is ready, remove the foil from the casserole. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the soaked bread. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. If it browns too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove it from the oven and give it about 5 minutes to cool. This patience pays off! Top with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
For a hearty meal, pair the casserole with crispy bacon or sausage. This combo is always a hit! Alternatively, you might want a fresh fruit salad to add a lighter touch.
Tips for Success
To achieve that fabulous flavor, use stale brioche. It absorbs the custard perfectly, resulting in a delightful texture. Feel free to customize the spices to match your taste. Adding nutmeg or other spices can make it even more personal and tasty.
Variations
If you’re in the mood for something different, you can swap almond milk for regular dairy milk for a richer flavor. For a seasonal twist, consider adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Can I make Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Certainly! This casserole is designed to be prepared the night before. It’s all about making your mornings easier.
What if I don’t have brioche bread?
No worries! You can substitute with challah or any soft bread. While other options work, brioche truly gives the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just stick with oat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a completely dairy-free version without losing any deliciousness.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Keep an eye out! The top should be golden brown and the center set. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean, indicating it’s ready.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. You can always look forward to this delightful dish any time you want!
Indulging in this Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole will surely be a breakfast highlight in your home. Its ease of preparation and delightful flavors make it a favorite for any occasion. Whether serving to guests or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this dish combines comfort and joy, leaving you wanting more. Enjoy the delightful sweetness and warmth it brings to your favorite breakfast moments!
Print
Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole
This casserole combines rich brioche bread and a creamy custard for a satisfying breakfast. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free morning delight.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread (stale is best), 14-16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 â…” cups oat milk or unsweetened almond milk (vanilla or plain)
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- â…“ cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Optional Toppings: fresh berries, maple syrup, and/or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13" baking pan and evenly distribute cubed brioche.
- Whisk together oat/almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create custard.
- Pour custard over bread, mixing gently to saturate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine flour, coconut sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for streusel topping, mixing in cubed butter until crumbly.
- Remove casserole from fridge, sprinkle streusel on top, and bake for 40-50 minutes until golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve with powdered sugar, berries, or maple syrup.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use stale brioche for best absorption of custard.
Feel free to customize spices for personal taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 150
