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Make-Ahead Challah French Toast Casserole for a Stress-Free Brunch

A thick, golden slice of Baked Challah French Toast with a caramelized cinnamon swirl topping on a white plate.
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Prepare this rich, custardy baked challah French toast casserole the night before. It soaks overnight, allowing you to focus on your guests the next morning for a luxurious brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf challah bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the challah bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. This is your batter.
  3. Pour the batter slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the bread to soak completely.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  6. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and the extra cinnamon for the topping.
  7. Remove the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  9. Let the baked challah French toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm with vanilla bean maple syrup.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use slightly stale challah bread; it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
  • If you want extra richness, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half.
  • This recipe is a perfect overnight brunch casserole base; feel free to add 1 cup of fresh berries before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/baked-challah-french-toast-make-ahead-casserole/