Overnight French Toast Bake: 1 Amazing Brunch |

Overnight French Toast Bake (Make-Ahead)

A simple recipe for a make-ahead French toast bake that you prepare the night before and bake in the morning for an easy breakfast or brunch.

Scale

3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
16 slices 100% whole wheat bread (1 (16-ounce) loaf)
1 (12-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk (for a dairy-free option, swap light coconut milk)
1 cup 2% milk or whole milk (for a dairy-free option, swap full-fat coconut milk)
6 large eggs
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Zest of 1 small lemon or 1/2 orange
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving: Pure maple syrup
For Serving: Butter
For Serving: Fresh berries
For Serving: Greek yogurt
For Serving: Powdered sugar
For Serving: Peanut butter
For Serving: Whatever you like!

Place the racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on two large baking sheets.
Toast the bread in the oven until it is very lightly toasted and feels dry to the touch on top but is not yet turning brown, about 8 to 10 minutes, switching the pans’ positions on the upper and lower racks halfway through.
Transfer the bread to a cutting board and cut in half diagonally. Let cool slightly.
Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Whisk together the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
Whisk together the evaporated milk, milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon or orange zest, salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl.
Fan the bread slices into the casserole dish.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top of the bread.
Lightly press down the slices, sprinkle on the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and cover the pan with foil.
Let sit for 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
When ready to bake, place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
If you refrigerated the French toast, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
Bake covered for 20 minutes.
Uncover and continue baking until the bread is puffed and golden and no liquid seeps out of the toasts when lightly pressed, about 10 additional minutes.
Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes.
Slice into squares and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

To freeze: Freeze cooked French Toast Casserole for up to three months.
Remove it from the freezer the day before you want to serve it and let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Cover the pan with foil, then reheat at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Keywords: Overnight French Toast Bake, French Toast Bake, Overnight Breakfast, Brunch Recipe, Sweet Breakfast, Make Ahead

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/overnight-french-toast-bake-make-ahead/