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Overnight French Toast Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead dish. This delightful casserole is not only perfect for special occasions like brunch gatherings, holidays, or lazy weekend breakfasts, but it also allows for ample time to soak up the delicious custard, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of sweet bread and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, ready to serve a crowd or simply indulge yourself. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of this recipe, highlight its components, and discuss how you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with everything you need to create a memorable breakfast experience.

Overnight French Toast Casserole

Start your mornings off right with this delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole! This easy recipe uses fluffy brioche bread, soaked in a creamy custard of eggs, milk, and warming spices. Prep the night before for a hassle-free breakfast that bakes to golden perfection in the morning. Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful treat everyone will love. Perfect for brunch or a cozy family breakfast!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed (about 8 cups)

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Powdered sugar (for serving)

Fresh berries (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed brioche bread in a large mixing bowl. If the bread is slightly stale, this is perfect as it will absorb the custard mixture better.

    Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.

      Combine the Mixtures: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently toss the bread to ensure every piece is evenly coated. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added crunch.

        Refrigerate Overnight: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 4 hours, but ideally 8-12 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

          Preheat and Prepare for Baking: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven heats.

            Bake the Casserole: Drizzle maple syrup over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

              Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with fresh berries and additional maple syrup if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes | Servings: 8-10