Overnight French Toast
A make-ahead breakfast classic featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a rich custard overnight, then baked until golden and fluffy. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch thick slices about 1 pound
- Butter or nonstick cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each slice is well saturated. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the custard.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the oven heats.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Notes
For best results, use day-old bread as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.