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A close-up of a square serving of Overnight French Toast Bake, topped with butter, blueberries, and syrup.

Overnight French Toast Bake (Make-Ahead)

This make-ahead French toast bake is perfect for busy families and brunch enthusiasts. Prepare it the night before for a delicious, hassle-free breakfast.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Refrigeration Time 12 hours
Total Time 13 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the French Toast
  • 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread torn into chunks or cut into cubes
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
For Serving
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • butter for greasing and serving
  • warm syrup for serving
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • freshly grated nutmeg optional
  • 1/2 cup cold butter cut into pieces

Equipment

  • 13x9 inch baking pan
  • Large Bowl
  • Pastry blender
  • Plastic bag

Method
 

  1. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with butter. Tear or cut the bread into chunks and distribute evenly in the pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight, or at least for several hours.
  2. For the topping, stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using) in a separate bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles fine pebbles. Store this topping mixture in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
  3. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast bake from the refrigerator and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 45 minutes for a softer texture, or for 1 hour or more for a firmer texture.
  4. Serve individual portions topped with butter, drizzled with warm syrup, and sprinkled with fresh blueberries.

Notes

This recipe is designed for busy families and brunch enthusiasts. Preparing it the night before saves time in the morning, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with loved ones without the morning rush.

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