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–+ servings
A thick slice of Overnight French Toast Bake topped with brown sugar crumble, fresh blueberries, butter, and syrup.

Overnight French Toast Bake (Make-Ahead)

This make-ahead French toast bake is perfect for busy mornings and weekend brunches. Prepare it the night before for a delicious, stress-free breakfast.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chilling Time 12 hours
Total Time 13 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the French Toast
  • 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread torn into chunks or cut into cubes
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 freshly grated nutmeg optional
  • 1/2 cup cold butter cut into pieces
For Serving
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Butter for serving
  • Warm syrup for serving

Equipment

  • 13x9-inch baking pan
  • large bowl
  • Pastry blender

Method
 

  1. Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan with butter. Tear or cut the bread into chunks and distribute evenly in the pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread in the pan. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
  3. For the topping, stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using) in a separate bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast bake from the refrigerator and sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes for a softer texture, or for 1 hour or more for a firmer texture.
  6. Serve individual portions topped with butter, warm syrup, and fresh blueberries.

Notes

This recipe can be baked immediately if you don't have time to let it sit overnight, though the overnight chilling allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard more fully.

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