Easy Overnight Brioche French Toast
Easy Overnight Brioche French Toast is a comforting and effortless breakfast dish that combines rich, buttery brioche bread with a luscious custard soak. Perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends, this recipe offers a hands-off approach to a classic brunch favorite, delivering tender, flavorful, golden-baked custardy bread with crisp edges. Customize with toppings or variations to suit your taste and enjoy a delicious start to your day.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 65 minutes (including soak time)
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free bread
Main Ingredients
- 6–8 thick slices brioche bread (preferably day-old)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter for greasing (optional, plus extra for brushing on top)
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and well combined. This custard base will soak into the brioche overnight, providing deep flavor and moisture.
- Arrange the Brioche: Lightly butter a baking dish, then layer the thick slices of brioche evenly inside. Slightly overlap slices to ensure all pieces soak up the custard fully.
- Pour and Soak: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down so all slices absorb the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve Warm: Let the French toast cool slightly before cutting into squares. Garnish as desired with berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or nuts for an irresistible meal.
Notes
- Use day-old brioche to absorb custard better without becoming mushy.
- Do not skip the overnight soaking to allow flavors to meld and ensure a custardy center.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother custard blend.
- Cover the dish tightly during soaking to prevent fridge odors from affecting flavor.
- Sprinkle sugar or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a slight crunchy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: overnight french toast, brioche french toast, easy breakfast, overnight custard bake, brunch recipe, make ahead french toast