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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

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A cozy, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring thick-cut brioche soaked overnight in a cinnamon-spiced custard and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfect for busy mornings or special brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 12 ounces or 340 grams) thick-cut brioche or challah bread, cubed
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier custard)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for streusel topping)
  • ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for streusel
  • Optional: handful of dried cranberries or fresh berries mixed into bread cubes

Instructions

  1. Cube brioche or challah bread into roughly 1-inch pieces and spread evenly in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Optionally toast cubes for 5 minutes at 350°F to prevent sogginess.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and salt until combined and frothy.
  3. Pour custard evenly over bread cubes, pressing gently to help soak. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using. Set aside.
  5. Remove casserole from fridge 15 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over soaked bread.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until custard is set and streusel is golden and crisp. A toothpick should come out clean.
  7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with optional maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

Notes

Press bread gently after pouring custard to ensure even soaking. Toast bread cubes lightly if fresh to prevent sogginess. Keep butter cold when mixing streusel for crumbly texture. Remove casserole from fridge before baking to take chill off. Tent with foil if streusel browns too quickly. Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, cinnamon streusel, make-ahead breakfast, easy brunch recipe, brioche casserole

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