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Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole

Sweet, Buttery, and Oh-So-Easy: Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of warm cinnamon, rich vanilla, and buttery brioche baking in the oven. If you're someone who loves a decadent yet easy breakfast idea, this overnight French toast casserole with brioche is going to be your new favorite morning treat. Whether you're hosting brunch, planning a cozy weekend breakfast, or just want a fuss-free morning meal, this baked casserole is a game-changer.

As a busy home cook and food lover, I’ve tested countless variations of French toast casseroles. But I always come back to brioche bread—its rich, buttery texture soaks up the custard beautifully, resulting in a dish that is perfectly soft inside with a slightly crisp golden top.

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Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole

Why Brioche is the Best Bread for French Toast Casserole

Not all breads are created equal when it comes to French toast casseroles.

  • Absorption Power: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it ideal for soaking up the egg mixture without getting too soggy.

  • Buttery Flavor: Because brioche already has butter in it, it naturally enhances the richness of the dish.

  • Perfect Texture: When baked, it gets golden and slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.

    • Other breads like challah or sourdough work, but for the best flavor and texture, I always recommend brioche bread.

    What Makes This Recipe Extra Special?

    This is not your average French toast casserole!

  • It’s Easy: Prep everything the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it in the morning.

  • It’s Rich & Buttery: Using brioche bread and cream cheese adds a luxurious texture.

  • Versatile & Customizable: You can make it healthy, add fruit, or even scale it down for two people.

    • Ingredients You’ll Need

    For this best overnight French toast casserole, you’ll need:

    For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)

  • 6 large eggs

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

    • For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

    • Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole

    Step 1: Prepare the Brioche

    Cut brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet for a crispier texture.

    Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

    In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

    Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

    Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes among the brioche pieces. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing it down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.

    Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

    Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors.

    Step 5: Add the Topping & Bake

    In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, then sprinkle it over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

    Must-Have Kitchen Tools for the Perfect French Toast Casserole

    1. Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

    A cast iron skillet helps create a crispier crust and even baking. The Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet is perfect for baking and serving straight from the oven.

    Get yours here: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet on Amazon

    2. OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk

    A high-quality whisk makes mixing custard effortless. The OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk is comfortable to hold and helps incorporate air for a fluffy texture

    .

    Buy now: OXO Good Grips Whisk on Amazon

    3. Pyrex 9x13 Baking Dish with Lid

    If you’re prepping this dish overnight, a baking dish with a lid like the Cuisinart 9x13 Glass Baking Dish makes storage super easy.

    Check it out: Pyrex Baking Dish on Amazon

    Variations & Customizations

    Healthy Swaps

  • Use whole wheat bread instead of brioche bread.

  • Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk.

  • Reduce sugar or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup.

    • For Two People

  • Halve the recipe and bake in a cast iron skillet or small baking dish.

    Flavor Twists

  • Add blueberries or raspberries for a fruity touch.

  • Top with pecans or walnuts for crunch.

  • Drizzle with maple syrup or caramel sauce before serving.

    • How to Serve & Store Your French Toast Casserole

    Topping Ideas

  • Maple syrup (a classic must-have!)

  • Powdered sugar for an elegant touch

  • Whipped cream for extra indulgence

  • Fresh fruit like berries or bananas

    • Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

  • Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes for best results.

    • Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Easy Breakfast Idea

    If you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast that’s buttery, sweet, and easy, this overnight French toast casserole with brioche is your answer. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

    Now, it’s your turn! Try this recipe, and let me know how it turned out in the comments. If you’re looking for more breakfast ideas, make sure to check out my other delicious recipes.

    Ready to make the best baked French toast casserole? Grab your ingredients and start baking!

    Happy cooking!

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