Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe

Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe is made with hearty chunks of French bread, a rich custard of eggs and vanilla, and a warming blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a sweet, golden casserole with a soft, pillowy interior and a wonderfully crunchy, caramelized sugar topping. It is a perfect breakfast for busy mornings or holidays as it requires no active cooking time, ideal for feeding the whole family at once.

Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
  • 1 lb loaf of French bread (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • 6 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons softened butter (for greasing the dish)
• For the Topping:
  • 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces)
• For Serving:
  • Melted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, whipped cream

How To Make Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe

1. Make the custard: Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly. Whisk in the half and half, milk, brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Set aside.
2. Prep the bread: Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with the softened butter. Cut the French bread into 1-inch chunks and arrange them in the dish.
3. Soak the bread: Whisk the egg mixture one last time to redistribute the spices, then pour it evenly over the bread chunks. Use a rubber spatula to very gently toss the bread, moving pieces from the bottom to the top to ensure every single piece is coated in the custard.
4. Refrigerate overnight: Spread the bread out evenly in the dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
5. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, remaining cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold butter pieces. Use clean hands to rub the butter into the sugar mixture until it looks crumbly. Cover and refrigerate this until morning.
6. Bake the casserole: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the bread. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up. Cut into squares and serve warm with melted butter, syrup, berries, and powdered sugar.

Recipe Tips

• The Stale Factor: You must use bread that is a day or two old, or at least very crusty French bread. Fresh, soft sandwich bread will dissolve into the egg mixture and turn into a soggy mush overnight.
• The Wiggle Test: To check for doneness, stick a knife or skewer into the center of the casserole. If liquid egg runs out, it needs more time. The center should be set but soft, like a bread pudding.
• Butter Temperature: Use softened butter for greasing the pan to get a thick, even coating, but use cold butter for the topping so it creates distinct crunchy crumbs rather than melting instantly.
• Gentle Tossing: When mixing the bread with the custard, be extremely gentle. You want to coat the bread, not mash it up. Using a spatula to lift and turn is better than stirring vigorously.

What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe

This Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe is a sweet, custard-rich dish that acts as the star of the breakfast table. To balance the sweetness of the syrup and brown sugar, serve it alongside savory proteins like crispy Bacon strips or savory Breakfast Sausage links. For a refreshing contrast to the heavy dairy, a bright Fruit Salad containing melon, grapes, and citrus is essential. A hot pot of Coffee or Espresso is the perfect beverage to cut through the richness of the French toast, while Mimosas add a festive touch for special occasions.

How To Store Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or, for better texture, in the oven at 350°F until warm.
• Freeze: You can freeze baked squares. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Joanna Gaines Overnight French Toast Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 12g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

FAQs

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