Name: Overnight French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 8 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp Cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; french bread

Overnight french toast is a perfect recipe to prepare for a leisurely morning breakfast. It's a delicious, mouthwatering dish that combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the richness of eggs and milk, the flavor of vanilla and cinnamon, and the heartiness of french bread. Preparing it overnight allows all the flavors to soak into the bread, creating a soft, rich, and sweet breakfast treat to wake up to.

Photos of Overnight French Toast Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common household items. However, one key ingredient that may not be readily available is French bread. This type of bread has a soft and spongy interior with a crispy crust, perfect for absorbing the egg-milk mixture. When you go to the supermarket, make sure to pick up a fresh loaf of French bread for this recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Overnight French Toast

Unsalted butter: Ideal for cooking, it adds richness to the toast.

Brown sugar: Gives a nice caramelized sweetness to the toast.

Eggs: Acts as a binder for the toast and gives it a rich taste.

Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the toast.

Vanilla extract: Gives a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the toast.

Salt: Balances the sweetness of the dish.

French bread: The star ingredient, it soaks up all the flavors beautifully.

One reader, Jeannie Blocker says:

This overnight French toast recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the texture is perfect. It's so convenient to prepare the night before and pop in the oven in the morning. The whole family loves it, and it's become a weekend staple in our home. Highly recommend!

Jeannie Blocker

Key Techniques for Perfect Overnight French Toast

How to prepare the custard: Whisk together the butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, eggs, whole milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.

How to arrange the bread in the pan: Place the bread slices in a single layer in a baking pan, ensuring they fit snugly without overlapping.

How to refrigerate overnight: After pouring the custard over the bread, tightly cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

How to sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the pan: Evenly distribute the remaining brown sugar over the soaked bread before baking.

How to bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake the French toast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

How to serve: Drizzle with maple syrup and serve warm.

How To Make Overnight French Toast

Assemble your own batch of french toast for breakfast the next day! It’s got flavorful bites of cinnamon for a tastefully sweet morning meal.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 8 hours

Total: 8 hours 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4tbspunsalted butter,melted
1cupbrown sugar,divided
8large eggs,beaten
1cupwhole milk
1tbspvanilla extract
2tspcinnamon
¼tspsalt
french bread,1 loaf, cut into thick slices

Instructions

Whisk the butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, eggs, whole milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
Arrange the bread in the pan, then pour the custard over the bread.
Tightly cover, then refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove the pan from the refrigerator, then sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
Serve with maple syrup, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 216.17kcal
Fat: 11.51g
Saturated Fat: 5.78g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.57g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.23g
Carbohydrates: 20.34g
Fiber: 0.35g
Sugar: 19.53g
Protein: 7.35g
Cholesterol: 204.31mg
Sodium: 162.85mg
Calcium: 85.95mg
Potassium: 140.29mg
Iron: 1.07mg
Vitamin A: 142.69µg
Vitamin C: 0.02mg

Crucial Technique for Achieving the Best Results

To ensure that the French toast soaks up the custard evenly, it's best to use day-old bread. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes before adding the custard. This will help the bread absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Overnight French Toast

Prep ahead: Prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is bake it.

Use a baking dish: Use a large baking dish to fit all the bread slices in one layer, saving time and effort.

Set a timer: Use a timer to keep track of the baking time, allowing you to multitask without worrying about overcooking.

Batch cooking: Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy breakfasts on busy mornings.

Invest in a good knife: A sharp knife will make slicing the bread easier and quicker, saving you time and effort.

Substitute Ingredients For Overnight French Toast Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, sweet flavor to the French toast, and it also adds a hint of caramelization when cooked.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor to the French toast, enhancing its richness.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can provide a warm and slightly sweet flavor, similar to cinnamon, but with a slightly different aromatic profile.
french bread - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche bread has a rich, buttery texture that can elevate the French toast, making it even more decadent and delicious.

Essential Tools for Making Overnight French Toast

Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often with a handle and a series of loops or wires.
Baking pan: A metal or glass pan used for baking and cooking food in the oven.
Measuring cup: A kitchen tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients, typically made of plastic or glass with graduated markings.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food by surrounding it with dry heat.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Overnight French Toast

Let the french toast cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the toast soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled french toast in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the french toast. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and contents.
Frozen french toast will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat refrigerated french toast, simply microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. You can also reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until crisp and warm.
For frozen french toast, you can reheat it directly from the freezer. Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Alternatively, you can microwave frozen slices for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to freeze the entire french toast casserole unbaked, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed in the recipe.

How To Reheat Leftover Overnight French Toast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover french toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the toast from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to restore the crispy texture of the bread while keeping the inside soft and custardy.
For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover slices directly on the rack. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on the toast to prevent burning.
If you prefer a softer texture, use a microwave. Place a single slice of french toast on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, depending on the thickness of the slice and the power of your microwave. For multiple slices, increase the time accordingly. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the toast rubbery.
For a stovetop method, melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover french toast and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy. This method adds a delicious buttery flavor to the reheated toast.
To add extra flavor and moisture, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the french toast before reheating. This works well with any of the above methods and helps to prevent the toast from drying out during the reheating process.

Interesting Trivia About Overnight French Toast

French toast is a popular breakfast dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in medieval Europe, where it was a way to use up stale bread. The dish has since evolved and is now enjoyed in various forms and flavors around the world.

Is Making Overnight French Toast Cost-Effective?

This overnight French toast recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as eggs, milk, and bread, are commonly found in most households. The use of simple and affordable ingredients makes this recipe budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an economical choice for a delicious breakfast or brunch. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delightful taste.

Is Overnight French Toast Healthy or Unhealthy?

This overnight French toast recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The high amounts of butter, brown sugar, and whole milk contribute to a significant amount of saturated fat and added sugars. The recipe also lacks fiber and essential nutrients that could be obtained from incorporating healthier ingredients.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap out half of the whole milk for low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce the overall fat content
Replace some of the brown sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to minimize added sugars
Use whole grain bread instead of traditional French bread to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
Add fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas to the dish for added vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness
Reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe, or opt for a healthier alternative like coconut oil

By incorporating these changes, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of overnight French toast that still satisfies your taste buds. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying this dish occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet is perfectly acceptable.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Breakfast Treat

This overnight French toast recipe is a delightful and convenient way to prepare a delicious breakfast ahead of time. The combination of brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla creates a rich and flavorful custard that infuses into the French bread overnight. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting aroma, while the final sprinkle of brown sugar caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is a decadent and satisfying breakfast dish that is perfect for serving to family and friends. Enjoy this indulgent treat with a drizzle of maple syrup for a delightful morning meal.

Enhance Your Overnight French Toast Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving with a side of colorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. The caramelized flavors will complement the sweetness of the French toast.

Bacon-wrapped Asparagus: For a savory twist, consider serving with bacon-wrapped asparagus. The crispy bacon and tender asparagus will provide a delicious contrast to the rich and sweet French toast.

Mixed Berry Salad: A refreshing mixed berry salad would be a delightful accompaniment to the French toast. The juicy and tangy berries will add a burst of freshness to each bite.

Similar Breakfast Recipes to Try

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs infuse the chicken with a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a tropical delight that is both healthy and delicious. The sweet mango and creamy coconut milk combine with the nutritious chia seeds to create a satisfying dessert that you can feel good about indulging in.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Overnight French Toast

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and crispy for a delicious bite-sized treat.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers. Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer.

Main Courses:

Beef Stroganoff: Create a creamy and savory dish using tender beef, onions, and mushrooms in a rich sour cream sauce. Serve it over a bed of fluffy egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a decadent and creamy pasta dish featuring juicy grilled chicken and al dente fettuccine noodles smothered in a velvety parmesan Alfredo sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Why trust this Overnight French Toast Recipe:

This overnight French toast recipe guarantees a delightful breakfast experience. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract creates a rich and flavorful custard that infuses into the French bread. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a decadent and satisfying dish. The use of whole milk and unsalted butter ensures a creamy texture, while the addition of maple syrup provides a perfect finishing touch. Trust in this recipe for a delicious and hassle-free morning meal.

Have you tried this delicious Overnight French Toast Recipe? Share your experience and any tips or variations in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread for a unique twist on the classic French toast.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the French toast the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use different types of milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the French toast?

Certainly! You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your preference. You can also drizzle with less or more maple syrup when serving.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover French toast. Once it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through.