Imagine waking up to the most decadent, mouth-watering breakfast that practically prepares itself while you sleep! This Totally Tasty Overnight French Toast is the breakfast dream you never knew you needed - a magical transformation of simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing morning masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. With minimal morning effort and maximum deliciousness, this recipe is about to become your new weekend breakfast hero.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and a 9x13 inch baking dish. Ensure bread is slightly stale or day-old for best texture.
- Grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter, covering bottom and sides to prevent sticking.
- Cut bread into thick slices, approximately 1-inch thick. Arrange slices tightly in a single layer in the buttered baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until completely smooth and well combined.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is saturated. Gently press down on bread to help absorption.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing bread to soak up the custard mixture completely.
- Remove dish from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use slightly stale or day-old bread for the best texture. Brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread work wonderfully, as they absorb the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Overnight Soaking: Don't rush the soaking process. Letting the bread sit overnight allows it to fully absorb the egg mixture, creating a custardy interior and crispy exterior.
- Room Temperature Matters: Always let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Prevent Sticking: Generously butter your baking dish to create a perfect non-stick surface and add a subtle richness to the edges.
- Doneness Check: The perfect French toast should be golden brown on top and set in the center, with a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, custardy texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your French toast with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
