Description
A make-ahead breakfast casserole that soaks overnight for a custardy texture and is topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Perfect for meal prep, it allows for zero morning effort and can be frozen for later.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf French bread or challah (16–20 oz / 450-570g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional (for streusel)
Instructions
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Let them air-dry for 1-2 hours or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry out slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Place the dried bread cubes into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are submerged.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Add cold cubed butter and work it in with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Cover the dish tightly with cling wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 12-16 squares and serving warm.
Notes
Use day-old or dried bread to prevent sogginess. Ensure butter is cold for the streusel to create a crunchy texture. The casserole can be frozen unbaked or as individual portions after baking. Reheat frozen portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: overnight french toast, french toast casserole, meal prep breakfast, cinnamon streusel, make ahead breakfast, freezer friendly breakfast