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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

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A cozy and delicious breakfast casserole featuring custard-soaked bread topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel, perfect for busy mornings or relaxed brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups sturdy bread cubes (day-old brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (use dairy-free butter if needed)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Cut sturdy bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and place evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream (if using), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread cubes, pressing gently to help absorb. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
  5. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over custard-soaked bread.
  6. Cover baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until custard is set and streusel is golden and crisp.
  8. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah for best texture. Cold butter is essential for a crumbly streusel. If streusel browns too quickly, tent with foil during baking. Soaking overnight is best but a minimum of 6 hours works. Optional nuts add crunch. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, cinnamon streusel, easy breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, custard soaked bread, cinnamon topping

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/easy-overnight-french-toast-casserole-with-cinnamon-streusel-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/