french toast casserole overnight brioche: 1 divine dish

Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon and buttery bread without having to do any morning prep work. This breakfast dish is a game-changer for busy mornings or holiday brunches. You prepare everything the night before and let the flavors meld then simply pop it in the oven when you wake up. I first made this for a family gathering and the rich texture of the brioche combined with the sweet custard made it an instant favorite. It is stress-free and delicious.

Why You Will Love This French Toast Casserole Overnight Brioche

I am telling you right now that brioche is the only way to go for this recipe. Standard white bread just gets way too mushy but brioche is like a sturdy buttery cloud that holds up to all that custard. The best part is the convenience because you do all the messy work the night before. When you have guests over you can actually sit and drink your coffee instead of standing at the stove. The texture is just incredible since it gets all crispy and golden on the top while the middle stays perfectly soft and custardy.

Ingredients for French Toast Casserole Overnight Brioche

• 1 large loaf of brioche bread cut into cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• For the topping you will need butter and brown sugar and flour

Smart Substitutions

If you do not have vanilla bean paste on hand you can use a little extra apple juice to give it a sweet and deep flavor. If you ever see a recipe that asks for a splash of bourbon or brandy just use apple juice instead. It keeps that rich sweetness without needing any of the restricted stuff. You can also swap the brown sugar for maple syrup if you want a more earthy sweetness.

How to Make French Toast Casserole Overnight Brioche

• Prepare the bread by cutting the brioche into 1-inch cubes and placing them in a greased baking dish.
• Mix the custard by whisking the eggs and milk and cream and sugar and spices in a large bowl until the mixture is totally smooth.
• Combine everything by pouring the mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down lightly to ensure every single piece is soaked.
• Let it rest by covering the dish and putting it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or even better just leave it overnight.
• Bake it by adding the crumble topping and putting it in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes until it is golden brown and beautiful.

Expert Tips for French Toast Casserole Overnight Brioche

• Use stale bread if you can because it acts like a sponge and absorbs the custard much better without falling apart.
• Do not skip the heavy cream because it is what gives the dish that signature velvety texture that everyone loves.
• If the top starts browning too quickly while it is in the oven just cover it loosely with some foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• The chilling time is super important so do not try to rush it or the bread will not be fully soaked through.

Storing French Toast Casserole Overnight Brioche

• Store any leftovers you might have in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat your leftovers use a toaster oven or a traditional oven at 350 degrees so you can keep that topping nice and crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions about French Toast Casserole Overnight Brioche

Can I use a different type of bread

While brioche is definitely the best choice because of its buttery flavor you can use challah or a thick-cut Texas toast as alternatives if you need to.

How long does it need to soak

For the absolute best results you should let it soak for at least 8 hours. If you are in a huge rush 4 hours is the minimum time needed for the bread to absorb the liquid properly.

Can I freeze this casserole

Yes you can totally freeze it after it is baked. Just wrap it up tightly and store it for up to two months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before you try to reheat it.

Nutritional Information

• Calories 380 kcal
• Protein 9g
• Fat 18g
• Carbohydrates 45g
• Sugar 22g

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