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Cozy French Toast Casserole Recipe with Easy Overnight Cinnamon Streusel

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A comforting French toast casserole featuring day-old brioche or challah soaked overnight in a rich custard and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, perfect for cozy mornings and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (half-and-half can be used as substitute)
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Cut day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  3. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread cubes, gently pressing down to help bread absorb custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly with pea-sized lumps. Stir in nuts if using.
  5. Sprinkle cinnamon streusel evenly over custard-soaked bread in the baking dish.
  6. Refrigerate casserole for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow bread to soak custard.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit for 15 minutes to come closer to room temperature.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is set (knife inserted should come out clean). Tent with foil if streusel browns too quickly.
  9. Let casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent mushiness. Do not skip the overnight soak for best custardy texture. Let casserole sit at room temperature before baking for even cooking. Tent with foil if streusel browns too fast. Cold butter is key for crumbly streusel. Optional nuts add crunch but keep quantities balanced to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, cinnamon streusel, overnight soak, breakfast casserole, brioche, challah, cozy breakfast, brunch recipe

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