Description

This Overnight French Toast Bake is the perfect way to enjoy a decadent breakfast without the hassle of cooking in the morning. Using rich challah or brioche bread soaked in a creamy, spiced custard and baked to golden perfection, this dish is ideal for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. With just a bit of prep the night before, you’ll have a warm, indulgent breakfast ready to go when you wake up. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful French toast bake!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries

Preparation Method

Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange the sliced challah or brioche bread in the dish, overlapping the slices slightly. Using a rich, buttery bread like challah or brioche ensures a tender and flavorful French toast bake.

Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, cozy flavor to the dish, making it perfect for breakfast.

Assemble the French Toast: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure every slice is soaked in the rich, creamy mixture. Gently press the bread down to ensure it absorbs the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a soft and flavorful French toast.

Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven heats up. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread to add a golden, crispy finish. Bake the French toast uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is puffed.

Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the French toast cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For a more indulgent twist, you can add layers of fruit such as sliced bananas or berries between the bread slices before pouring the custard mixture. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or streusel over the top before baking for added texture and crunch.

Conclusion:
This Overnight French Toast Bake is a wonderful way to enjoy a luxurious breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of soft, buttery bread with a spiced custard makes every bite rich and flavorful. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply treating your family to a special breakfast, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a delicious start to your day!