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A perfectly golden-brown baked overnight French toast casserole in a white ceramic dish, with a crunchy pecan topping and a dusting of powdered sugar.

The #1 Fail-Proof Overnight French Toast (No More Soggy Breakfasts!)

Chef Andrew
Tired of soggy French toast? Discover the #1 fail-proof method for a perfect Overnight French Toast Casserole. It's custardy on the inside, crispy on top, and the perfect make-ahead holiday brunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Overnight Soaking Time (Hours) 8 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

For the French Toast Casserole

  • 1 loaf challah bread (about 1.5 lbs) 1-2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Crunchy Pecan Topping

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Assemble the Night Before: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 2 tbsp brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Prepare for Baking: The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge.
  • Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake (Part 1): Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This allows the center to cook through without the top burning.
  • Bake (Part 2): Remove the foil and bake for another 10-20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for it to set properly. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

Chef's Pro-Tips for a Fail-Proof Result

  • Use Day-Old Bread: Sturdy, slightly stale bread like Challah or Brioche is the #1 secret to preventing a soggy bottom.
  • Don't Skip the Overnight Soak: This step is essential for the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring a uniform, custardy texture.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the custard to set, making it much easier to slice and serve.
Keyword French Toast Casserole, Holiday Brunch, Make Ahead Breakfast, Overnight French Toast