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Easy Overnight Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

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A cozy, easy-to-make overnight French toast casserole with cinnamon, cream cheese, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for busy mornings and crowd-pleasing brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf sturdy bread like French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old bread preferred)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, or fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread half the cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Soften cream cheese and spread dollops evenly over the bread layer. Top with remaining bread cubes, pressing lightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until frothy.
  4. Pour custard evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese, pressing gently to soak the bread. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow bread to soak.
  6. Before baking, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and spread cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the bread.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden and custard is set. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set and allow easier slicing.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread to avoid sogginess. Soak overnight for best texture. Room temperature eggs blend better. Cover casserole tightly while soaking. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting. Can substitute gluten-free bread and dairy-free milk for gluten-free or dairy-free versions. Vegan option available using flax eggs and vegan cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight casserole, cinnamon French toast, breakfast casserole, easy brunch recipe, cream cheese French toast

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