Baked French Toast

This overnight baked French toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays, brunch gatherings, or cozy weekends at home.

Thick slices of French bread soak up a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard overnight, creating a soft and creamy center with lightly crisp edges after baking.

A buttery brown sugar topping melts into the toast as it bakes, creating a sweet caramel-like glaze that makes every bite irresistible.

Serve it warm with fresh berries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar for an easy breakfast casserole everyone will request again and again.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Additional Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread, sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • Fresh berries and maple syrup, for serving

Directions

  1. Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of French bread evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
  4. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly.
  6. Pour the warm brown sugar mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden brown.
  8. Serve warm with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Chefs Notes

  • For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans over the casserole before baking.
  • Day-old French bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soggy.
  • You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, making it ideal for holiday mornings or overnight guests.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute brioche or challah bread for the French bread.
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