Description
A kid-friendly, make-ahead breakfast casserole that combines the convenience of a bake with the indulgent taste of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for weekend mornings, this recipe allows for overnight soaking to ensure a creamy, custardy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (approx. 12–14 slices, torn into chunks)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for streusel)
Instructions
- Prep the bread: Slice or tear the brioche/challah into 1-inch chunks. Arrange them in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and sugar is dissolved.
- Soak: Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press down to ensure all bread is submerged. Cover tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
- Prepare streusel: While bread soaks, combine brown sugar, flour, cold cubed butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Rub with fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep refrigerated.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dish sit on the counter for 15 minutes. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the bread. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best results as it absorbs custard better without falling apart. Ensure the bread is sturdy like brioche or challah. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brioche-style bread and reduce soaking time to 4 hours. For a dairy-free option, substitute oat/almond milk and vegan butter. The dish can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice/cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: make-ahead breakfast, cinnamon roll french toast, kid-friendly recipes, weekend brunch, brioche french toast, overnight french toast bake