Overnight French Toast Casserole with Butter Glaze
Make-ahead French toast baked in a buttered brown sugar glaze with a custard base and spiced praline topping. Bread soaks overnight in cream and eggs, then bakes until golden and caramelized. Perfect for feeding a crowd without morning fuss.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or corn syrupagave nectar1dietary
similar sweetness
- 1 loaf day old French or crusty bread, cut 1/2 inch thick
- 1 ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 5 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- 1
Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish or shallow 2-quart casserole dish.
- 2
Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in brown sugar and syrup, bringing to a simmer for about one minute until sugar dissolves.
- 3
Pour glaze into prepared pan and spread to the corners with a rubber spatula.
- 4
Lay bread slices in the pan atop the glaze.
- 5
Whisk together cream, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl.
- 6
Pour custard over bread in pan and press bread down to ensure even soaking.
- 7
Cover pan with foil and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- 8
Remove dish from refrigerator and let sit on counter for 15 to 20 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F.
- 9
Stir together brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over bread.
- 10
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until bubbly and top is very lightly browned.
- 11
Remove from oven and cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, turning slices over on plate so syrupy bottom is on top.
Tips
Press bread into custard thoroughly to ensure even soaking and prevent dry spots.
Use day-old bread to prevent mushiness; fresh bread absorbs too much liquid too quickly.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat gently at 325°F if desired.
Assemble completely through custard soaking stage, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Turn slices over on plate so caramelized syrupy bottom is on top. Serve with additional maple syrup if desired.
Common Mistakes
Use fresh bread to avoid a soggy, mushy casserole that disintegrates when served.
Skip pressing bread into custard to avoid dry, unsoaked spots in the finished dish.
Overbake beyond 45 minutes to avoid a dry, tough texture.