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- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting In this recipe, the main ingredients create a soft and fluffy base. The bread is key. I love using challah or brioche for their rich flavors. They soak up the egg mixture well. Next, the flavor enhancers bring it all together. Maple syrup adds sweetness. Vanilla extract gives a warm touch. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add depth. Together, they create a delicious aroma that fills your home. You can customize this dish with optional add-ins. Fresh berries add a bright flavor and color. Pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch, but they are not required. A light dusting of powdered sugar at the end makes it look fancy. For the full recipe, check the details above. You’ll love how simple and tasty this Overnight French Toast Casserole is! 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream. 2. Add maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well. 3. Toss in the bread cubes and coat each piece in the mixture. 1. Fold in fresh berries and chopped nuts if you want. 2. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. 3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning. 2. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown. 3. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. For the full recipe, check the earlier section, and enjoy your delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole! To make your casserole perfect, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture well. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is ready. For toppings, I recommend fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. These add sweetness and color. As for side dishes, crispy bacon or sausage pairs well with this dish. You can also serve a fresh fruit salad for a light touch. To save time, prepare your casserole the night before. Follow the steps in the Full Recipe to soak the bread overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you wake up, just pop it in the oven and enjoy! {{image_2}} You can switch the bread to make this dish unique. Sourdough gives a nice tang. Whole wheat bread adds fiber and a nutty flavor. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer good options that work well. Just make sure to cut it into cubes like the recipe says. You can get creative with flavors. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Caramel sauce drizzled on top adds richness. For a seasonal touch, use fruits like peaches or apples. They add freshness and sweetness. Mix in nuts for crunch, too. Pecans or walnuts work well here. Not everyone loves a sweet dish. You can cut the sugar if you want. Use less maple syrup or leave it out. Try sugar substitutes like honey or agave syrup. These can give you that sweetness without too much sugar. Always taste as you go to find what you like best. After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps set the texture. You can cover it with foil to keep the heat in and avoid drying out. For storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the casserole is completely cool before sealing it up. This keeps it fresh in the fridge. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking every minute. If you want to freeze, slice the casserole first. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This way, you can take out just what you need. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, throw it away. A good rule is: if it doesn’t look or smell right, don’t eat it. Enjoy your Overnight French Toast Casserole with confidence! For the full recipe, check the section above. Yes, you can make a vegan version! Use flax eggs or silken tofu. For flax eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. For silken tofu, blend 1/4 cup until smooth, then add to your mixture. Both options work well to bind the casserole. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. The top should be golden brown. If it's still wet, bake for a few more minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, as it will firm up slightly. Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the casserole as directed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Bake it as usual, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Great side dishes include crispy bacon or sausage. Fresh fruit, like sliced bananas or berries, adds color and flavor. You can also serve it with maple syrup or whipped cream. Freshly brewed coffee or a fruit smoothie pairs nicely for a complete meal. For the Full Recipe, refer to earlier sections. This post shared the delicious recipe for Overnight French Toast Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, from eggs to cream, and the flavor boosts that make this dish special. We explored tips for perfecting your casserole and different variations to try. Remember, the best part is customizing it to fit your taste. Enjoy serving this easy, flavorful dish next time you host brunch. Trust me, your guests will love it!

- Overnight French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the deliciousness of Overnight French Toast Casserole, a perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings! With tender brioche soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and aromatic spices, this dish is topped with fresh berries and optional nuts for added crunch. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep, you can enjoy this delightful recipe with family and friends. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

    Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and gently toss until all pieces are well coated.

      Fold in the fresh berries and chopped nuts (if using).

        Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

          Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the mixture.

            Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.

              Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.

                Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

                  Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

                    Slice into squares and serve warm, optionally drizzling with additional maple syrup.

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 5 min | Servings: 8-10