Imagine waking up to the most heavenly aroma of warm cinnamon and freshly baked bread, without the morning rush of cooking from scratch! This French Toast Cinnamon Overnight recipe is your secret weapon to a stress-free, deliciously decadent breakfast that will make your family think you've been up for hours preparing a gourmet meal. With minimal morning effort and maximum flavor, this make-ahead breakfast casserole transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering morning masterpiece that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Arrange bread slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping or cutting to fit if necessary. You may need to layer the bread to ensure complete coverage.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each slice is fully saturated. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours to allow bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or additional ground cinnamon.
Tips
- Choose the right bread: Use day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread for the best texture and absorption.
- Ensure even saturation: Gently press the bread while pouring the egg mixture to guarantee each slice is completely soaked.
- Refrigeration is key: Let the dish rest overnight to allow bread to fully absorb the flavors and create a custardy texture.
- Room temperature matters: Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Check doneness: The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
- Customize your toppings: Experiment with powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate your French toast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 186mg
