Baked Overnight French Toast Recipe Is a Lifesaver On Busy Mornings (High Protein) by Jan Mostrom

When holidays or relatives arrive I’m always looking for an easy way to feed everyone a delicious meal, but minimize my time cooking. This easy overnight french toast recipe is a great way to spend more time with loved ones and less time cooking!

This breakfast or brunch recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Then you pop the prepared casserole into the fridge for the night. In the morning, pop it into the oven for a hot and sweet high-protein breakfast or brunch for your friends or family. (Check out the health benefits of protein.)

To make this easy overnight breakfast recipe you will need the following ingredients from your fridge and pantry: bread (think brioche, challah or french bread), butter, eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, kosher salt and optional raisins and pecans (or your favorite nuts). For serving, grab some maple syrup.

Serve the baked french toast for breakfast or brunch. The dish is delicious with a side of fresh fruit or your favorite breakfast meats like bacon or breakfast sausage. (Find out how to cook bacon in the microwave.)

Like this recipe? Check out the french toast casserole recipes.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 12 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes plus chill time
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened, plus more for baking dish
• 1 pound bread, such as brioche, challah or french, sliced 3/4 inches thick
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
• powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• maple syrup, for serving

Here's how to make it: 

1. Butter the bread slices on one side.
   
2. Arrange them vertically in a greased 2-quart or 9x7-inch baking dish (or similar size), alternating slices together if needed. Arrange the raisins amidst the bread, if using.
   
3. In a medium bowl add eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and salt. Whisk together.
   
4. Pour the mixture all over the bread slices. Gently move the bread around the egg mixture to coat all the slices.
   
5. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.
   
6. In the morning when ready to bake preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Sprinkle the pecans over the top, if using.
   
7. Bake the casserole until it is light brown and the egg mixture is set in the center, about 50 to 60 minutes. Check about 40 minutes in and if the casserole is too dark, tent a piece of foil over the top.
   
8. Remove from oven when done and let sit for 10 minutes. Sift a bit of powdered sugar over the top, if desired. Serve with warm maple syrup and enjoy! Store any leftovers covered in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
   

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