Why Make This Recipe
Overnight French Toast is a fantastic way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a special breakfast without a lot of morning hassle. The best part is that you can prepare it the night before, allowing flavors to meld and saving you time. It’s perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.
With its warm, gooey center and tasty toppings, this French toast is sure to be a hit at the breakfast table. The combination of sweet bread, rich eggs, and a crunchy topping makes every bite delightful.
Equipment Needed For Overnight French Toast
To make Overnight French Toast, you will need some basic kitchen equipment. Gather the following items to ensure a smooth cooking experience:
- 13 x 9 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Ladle
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
What You Need to Make Overnight French Toast
To create this delicious Overnight French Toast, gather these ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 1 (1 lb.) loaf raisin challah or regular challah, sliced 1 inch thick
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh fruit and maple syrup, for serving
How to Cook Overnight French Toast Step by Step
Begin your journey by ensuring that the sliced bread can air dry for at least 2 hours or, if possible, up to 8 hours. This step is important as it allows the bread to become less moist, which helps achieve a delightful texture. While waiting, coat the interior of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy removal after baking.
Once the bread is ready, arrange the slices in the baking dish in two overlapping rows. This method allows the custard mixture to soak into the bread evenly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and light brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Make sure there are no lumps for the best results. Then, whisk in the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and freshly grated nutmeg.
Next, take a ladle and evenly spoon the egg mixture over the arranged slices of bread in the baking dish. Ensure that every piece gets a good soaking. After this, tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight, or for a maximum of 12 hours. This resting period lets the flavors blend beautifully.
When it’s time to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, prepare a topping that will add a delightful crunch to your French toast. In a medium bowl, mash together the softened butter, light brown sugar, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and kosher salt until it forms a thick paste. This will create a delicious crunchy layer on top.
After the oven has reached the right temperature, remove the dish from the refrigerator and take off the foil. Dollop the butter mixture evenly over the soaked bread slices. This topping is vital as it adds flavor and richness to the dish. Now, place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You will know it’s done when it puffs up and turns a lovely golden brown color.
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serving your Overnight French Toast is just as easy as making it. Garnish each portion with fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or sliced apples, and then drizzle generously with maple syrup.
How To Make Overnight French Toast
To make Overnight French Toast, follow the detailed steps above, and you will have an impressive meal ready in no time. The key components are soaking the bread overnight and adding a flavorful topping. Take your time during the prep, and ensure the bread slices are well arranged. This dish brings a special vibe to breakfast and can impress family and friends alike.
How To Serve Overnight French Toast
When serving Overnight French Toast, presentation is key. Cut the pieces into individual servings for easy plates. Place each slice on a plate, and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pile on the fresh fruit for a burst of color and nutrition. Finally, don’t forget to serve the maple syrup on the side, allowing everyone to drizzle as they like.
What To Serve With Overnight French Toast
Besides syrup and fruit, several side dishes pair beautifully with Overnight French Toast. Consider serving crispy bacon or sausage for a savory counterpart. A side of scrambled eggs can also complement the dish, ensuring a hearty breakfast full of flavor.
For a lighter option, a green salad can refresh the palate after the sweet flavors. Don’t forget about beverages! Freshly squeezed orange juice or a warm cup of coffee can elevate the whole breakfast experience.
How To Store Overnight French Toast
If you have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the baked French toast to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the slices in the microwave or an oven set to 350 degrees until warmed through. Remember, the texture might be slightly different than when freshly baked, but it will still taste delicious!
Tips To Make Overnight French Toast
To elevate your Overnight French Toast, consider a few handy tips. Using stale or day-old bread can enhance the overall texture. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer flavor and a nice texture.
You can also experiment with different types of bread. Brioche or sourdough will bring unique flavors. Adding spices such as cardamom or ginger can offer a new twist too.
If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them with walnuts or almonds for a different crunchy note. Lastly, try infusing your cream and milk with a dash of orange or lemon zest for a fresh citrusy flavor.
Variation
Explore various twists on traditional Overnight French Toast. For example, you can stuff the bread slices with cream cheese, fruit preserves, or Nutella for a surprising burst of flavor.
Another variation includes using a spiced pumpkin puree in the custard mix for a seasonal treat. If you love chocolate, add some chocolate chips for a more decadent option. The possibilities are nearly endless, making this dish adaptable for everyone’s palate.
Best Time To Make Overnight French Toast
The best time to make Overnight French Toast is during weekends or holidays when you can enjoy an energetic brunch with family and friends. Making it overnight means minimal effort in the morning, allowing everyone to enjoy the time spent together. It’s also ideal for celebrations like Christmas or Easter, where breakfast can be an important part of the festivities.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid a few common errors that can detract from your French toast experience. Ensure the bread is properly soaked, as insufficient soaking will lead to dry toast. Do not skip the resting period in the refrigerator; this is crucial for flavor development.
Additionally, be cautious with baking time. Keep an eye on the dish toward the end of the cooking time to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a tough texture. Lastly, remember to space the slices in the dish so they cook evenly.
Nutritional Notes
Each serving of Overnight French Toast provides a hearty and satisfying start to the day. The nutritional value can vary based on the toppings and sides you choose. With rich flavors, this dish is also high in calories and sugar if served generously with syrup and fruit.
To balance your breakfast, consider serving it with fresh fruit for added vitamins and fiber. You can also modify the recipe to be lower in sugar or use whole-grain bread for added health benefits while still enjoying the delightful flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Overnight French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be made the night before, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal effort in the morning.
Can I freeze Overnight French Toast?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pieces. Once cooled, cut them into portions, wrap them tightly, and store them in the freezer for up to one month.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche, sourdough, or even whole wheat, to customize the flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Overnight French Toast is a remarkable dish that brings the warmth of home-cooked breakfast to your table with ease. It encourages indulgence while also simplifying your morning routine. With some preparation, you can enjoy a beautifully rich and flavor-packed meal that everyone will love.
So gather your ingredients, prepare your baking dish, and make this delightful recipe soon. The smiles it brings will be well worth the effort!
Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- Ensure the sliced bread can air dry for at least 2 hours or, ideally, up to 8 hours.
- Coat the interior of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange the bread slices in overlapping rows in the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and light brown sugar until combined.
- Whisk in the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and nutmeg.
- Evenly spoon the egg mixture over the arranged slices of bread.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or for a maximum of 12 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl, mash together the softened butter, light brown sugar, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt until a thick paste forms.
- After preheating, remove the foil and dollop the butter mixture over the soaked bread slices, then bake for about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Bake until puffed up and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh fruit and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
