Description
Nothing says “weekend brunch” quite like the delectable, comforting sweetness of an Overnight Cinnamon Nutmeg French Toast Casserole. Perfect for festive brunches or a lazy morning, this casserole melds the aromatic essences of cinnamon and nutmeg with a rich, custard-soaked bread base. Prepare it the night before to enjoy a hassle-free, scrumptious breakfast that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Bread
Slice the French bread about 1-inch thick. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Set aside.
3. Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Soak the Bread
Evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are well covered. Gently spoon some mixture between the slices to ensure thorough soaking. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
5. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and carefully flip each piece of bread to enhance coating with the custard mixture.
6. Make the Cinnamon Crunch Topping
Combine butter, brown sugar, optional corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mix well until combined.
7. Apply the Topping
Spoon the topping over the bread slices, spreading evenly. Ensure some of the topping seeps between the slices.
8. Bake
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until it’s puffed and light golden brown on top.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (active), overnight (inactive)
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover French toast casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick breakfast. For a crispy top, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze in covered airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
The Overnight Cinnamon Nutmeg French Toast Casserole is a splendid choice for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch experience. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions, ensuring a delightful meal with minimal morning effort. Soak the night before, bake in the morning, and enjoy a heavenly breakfast that will start your day off with a smile.
PrintOvernight Cinnamon Nutmeg French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Nothing says weekend brunch quite like the delectable, comforting sweetness of an Overnight Cinnamon Nutmeg French Toast Casserole. Perfect for festive brunches or a lazy morning, this casserole melds the aromatic essences of cinnamon and nutmeg with a rich, custard-soaked bread base. Prepare it the night before to enjoy a hassle-free, scrumptious breakfast that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread about 1-inch thick. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Set aside.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are well covered. Gently spoon some mixture between the slices to ensure thorough soaking. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and carefully flip each piece of bread to enhance coating with the custard mixture.
- Make the Cinnamon Crunch Topping: Combine butter, brown sugar, optional corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mix well until combined.
- Apply the Topping: Spoon the topping over the bread slices, spreading evenly. Ensure some of the topping seeps between the slices.
- Bake: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until it’s puffed and light golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes