Creamy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese
A creamy, custardy French toast casserole layered with cream cheese, perfect for busy mornings and easy to prepare the night before.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 60 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf thick-cut bread (challah or brioche recommended, about 1 pound / 450 grams, cubed)
- 8 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
- Butter for dotting on top (optional)
- Fresh or frozen berries (optional)
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cube the bread into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces and place evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined and slightly frothy.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half the custard over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak the bread.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
- Pour the remaining custard over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently without mixing.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts mixed with brown sugar evenly over the casserole and dot with small pats of butter.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden and custard is set.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best soaking without mushiness. Always soften cream cheese to room temperature to avoid lumps. Avoid overmixing custard and cream cheese layers to maintain distinct layers. Start checking casserole at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking. Optional add-ins include fresh berries or nuts. For gluten-free, use sturdy gluten-free bread. Vegan adaptations possible with flaxseed eggs and coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 12
Keywords: French toast casserole, overnight casserole, cream cheese, breakfast casserole, easy breakfast, make ahead breakfast