Easy Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole: Your Go-To Holiday Breakfast
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and maple, knowing that a decadent, warm breakfast is just minutes away. This oven-baked French toast casserole is precisely that dream come true! It features fluffy cinnamon French toast, generously soaked in a rich maple custard, then baked to perfection, and crowned with a luscious, creamy icing glaze. What makes it even better? You can prepare this easy overnight breakfast casserole the night before using convenient frozen dough, allowing you to simply bake and enjoy a stress-free morning with your loved ones.
In our ever-changing world, the simple joys and traditions often become the most cherished. Sharing meals, especially during holidays and weekend brunches with family and friends, holds a special place in our hearts. Food has always been a powerful connector, a way to express love and create lasting memories.
So, why not share the joy with this incredible recipe? Plan a delightful virtual Sunday brunch or coordinate a special holiday breakfast where everyone enjoys the same delicious dish. Whether you’re near or far, this Overnight French Toast Casserole provides a wonderful opportunity to connect through the universal language of food, making any gathering feel more intimate and special. It’s an ideal recipe for fostering togetherness, even when miles separate us.
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Why We Love Baked French Toast Casserole
This easy overnight French toast casserole recipe is a true game-changer for anyone who loves a hearty, sweet breakfast without the morning rush. It’s perfect for sharing, no matter the occasion or distance. The magic lies in its make-ahead nature, allowing you to prepare everything the night before. This convenience makes it an absolute lifesaver during busy holiday seasons, transforming potentially stressful mornings into relaxed, celebratory events.
Imagine the joy of Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas morning when you can wake up, pop the casserole into the oven, and spend precious time with family instead of slaving over a hot stove. It’s also an excellent choice for a leisurely weekend brunch, providing a satisfying and impressive centerpiece that caters to both sweet and comforting cravings.
While this recipe delivers a classic cinnamon French toast experience, if you’re a fan of sourdough, you might also love our sourdough bread French toast. Another popular holiday brunch favorite that’s equally delightful is Hawaiian roll French toast, offering a slightly different texture and sweetness.
To elevate the “easy” factor even further, our recipe for this delightful breakfast casserole starts with a brilliant shortcut: frozen dough! This eliminates the need for kneading, rising, and all the complexities of scratch-made bread, making it accessible to even the most novice bakers.
As a huge proponent of Bridgford Food’s versatile frozen dough, I’ve shared numerous recipes showcasing its incredible utility. From fluffy frozen bread dough monkey bread to savory dishes like the Ham & Brie Pull-Apart Casserole and Easy Spicy Italian Sliders, this frozen dough consistently delivers fantastic results. This time, we channeled its convenience into creating the ultimate make-ahead cinnamon French toast experience.
Thanks to Bridgford’s Ready-Dough, crafting this impressive French toast bake is incredibly simple. You complete almost all the preparation the evening before, allowing the dough to soak up all the rich maple custard flavors overnight. Then, in the morning, you just pop it into the oven for a quick bake. It’s so straightforward that it’s a perfect recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen, fostering a love for cooking and creating delicious memories together.
Key Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Beyond the convenience of premade frozen dough, this irresistible French toast casserole requires only a handful of common pantry ingredients. This simplicity ensures a delicious outcome without needing a trip to specialty stores.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the perfect level of sweetness, complementing the cinnamon and maple. You can adjust the amount slightly to suit your preference.
- Ground Cinnamon: This warming spice is essential for that classic French toast flavor. Don’t skimp on it! A little extra sprinkle on top before baking can also enhance its aromatic appeal.
- Eggs: Eggs are the cornerstone of the custard, binding the ingredients and creating that wonderfully rich, creamy texture. If you’re mindful of cholesterol, feel free to use egg whites only. Many grocery stores now carry liquid egg whites in the dairy section, often located near milk and other refrigerated products. This is an easy way to lighten up the casserole without sacrificing moisture.
- Milk: For the richest, most luxurious custard, whole milk is highly recommended. Its higher fat content contributes to an incredibly creamy consistency. However, 2% milk also works wonderfully and will still yield a delicious result. Skim milk can be used, but the custard might be slightly less rich.
- Maple Extract: This ingredient is key to achieving that authentic, deep maple French toast taste. If maple extract is hard to find, don’t worry! You can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup, which will impart a milder maple flavor. Alternatively, 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or almond extract can be used for a different, yet equally delightful, aromatic profile. While maple truly elevates the dish, your casserole will still be absolutely delicious with a hint of vanilla or almond.
Expert Tips For The Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
Achieving the perfect make-ahead cinnamon French toast casserole is incredibly simple with these expert tips. Bridgford Ready-Dough typically comes in a three-pack of frozen bread dough loaves. This particular recipe utilizes two loaves, leaving you with one extra for another delicious creation!
Here’s how to prepare a show-stopping overnight French toast casserole:
- Thaw the Dough Properly: First, ensure the two frozen loaves of dough thaw on your countertop for a few hours. The goal is for the dough to be cold enough to be easily handled and cut, but pliable enough to work with. Avoid letting it become completely warm and fully risen, as this can change the texture of the final casserole. A slightly chilled, firm dough cuts better and absorbs the custard more effectively.
- Prepare the Dough Pieces: Once thawed to the right consistency, divide each loaf into 16 equal pieces. This ensures uniform cooking and allows each piece to properly absorb the custard. Arrange these pieces evenly in your prepared casserole dish. Then, generously sprinkle them with a mix of sugar and a portion of the cinnamon. This initial seasoning helps build a foundational layer of flavor.
- Craft the Maple Custard: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs and ½ cup of milk until well combined and slightly frothy. This forms the rich base of your custard. Next, stir in the maple extract (or your chosen substitute) and the remaining cinnamon. The maple extract is crucial for that authentic flavor, while the cinnamon adds warmth and spice.
- Combine and Refrigerate: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the dough pieces in the casserole dish. Ensure that all the dough pieces are well-coated and submerged in the custard. This overnight soak is what gives the casserole its incredibly moist, tender interior. Once poured, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the dough to slowly absorb the custard, transforming into a delicious French toast base.
- Bake to Perfection: The next morning, remove the French toast casserole from the refrigerator. While your oven preheats to 350ºF (175ºC), let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows it to come slightly closer to room temperature, ensuring a more even bake. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The center should be set, not overly gooey.
- Cool and Glaze: Once baked, let the casserole cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time is important as it allows the casserole to set further and makes it easier to slice and serve. While it cools, prepare the creamy icing by mixing confectioners’ sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth. Drizzle this delectable icing generously over the warm casserole just before serving. The warmth of the casserole will slightly melt the icing, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Toast Casserole
Leftover French toast casserole can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, provided it’s properly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it within 1-2 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire casserole (covered with foil) in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through to the center.
The ideal French toast, whether traditional slices or a casserole, should be browned and delightfully crispy on the outside, while maintaining a wonderfully creamy and custardy texture on the inside. It should definitely not be dry, but also not soggy or undercooked. A perfectly baked French toast casserole will have absorbed the rich custard, offering a luxurious mouthfeel without being overly eggy. It’s typically sweetened and often garnished with maple or fruit syrup, fresh fruit, or a pat of butter, though savory versions exist as well.
Yes, French toast casserole freezes beautifully! After baking and allowing it to cool completely, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the oven, or reheat directly from frozen in the oven at a lower temperature until thoroughly heated.
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions. Consider serving it with fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory contrast. A glass of orange juice or a warm cup of coffee makes it a perfect brunch spread.
More Delectable Breakfast Recipes To Explore…
- Streusel Coffee Cake Muffins
- Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Bisquick Banana Muffins
- Easy Apple Fritters Recipe
- Homemade Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
If you tried this Easy Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means the world to me! Thanks for visiting!
Overnight Oven Baked French Toast Casserole
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Breakfast, Brunch
American
8 servings
10 minutes
25 minutes
10 hours
10 hours 35 minutes
416
Equipment
- Casserole dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 loaves Bridgford Ready-Dough (see notes below)
- ¼ cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons maple extract or vanilla extract. Or 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup.
For the Icing:
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon maple extract
Instructions
- Grease your casserole dish. Place the frozen Ready Dough loaves in the greased casserole dish and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let them defrost on the countertop for 2-3 hours until cold but pliable enough to cut. Once thawed, cut each loaf into 16 even pieces. Arrange these dough pieces in the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the dough pieces with ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs and ½ cup milk until thoroughly combined. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of maple extract (or your chosen substitute). Pour this egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread pieces in the casserole dish. Ensure all pieces are well saturated. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (for at least 8 hours, up to 12 hours).
- The next morning, remove the covered casserole dish from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Uncover the casserole and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. While the casserole is cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 tablespoon of maple extract. Whisk until the icing is smooth and free of lumps. Drizzle the creamy icing generously over the warm casserole and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can also use a 25 oz. bag of Bridgford Parkerhouse Style rolls instead of the Ready-Dough loaves. If using rolls, thaw them on a covered, greased sheet pan on the counter for 1 hour. Cut rolls in half, and then follow the directions starting from step 1.
Storing Instructions:
- Keep any leftover casserole tightly covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the entire casserole (covered with foil) in your oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm in the center.
Nutrition
Serving:
8
servings
|
Calories:
416
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
76
g
|
Protein:
10
g
|
Fat:
6
g
|
Saturated Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
84
mg
|
Sodium:
573
mg
|
Potassium:
55
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
22
g
|
Vitamin A:
144
IU
|
Calcium:
39
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg