Overnight French Toast

Overnight French Toast: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon

Mornings are crazy, aren't they? Between getting kids ready for school, packing lunches, and trying to squeeze in a workout before work, finding time to make a decent breakfast often feels impossible. That's why I've become a huge fan of make-ahead breakfasts, and this Overnight French Toast recipe is my absolute favorite. It's so easy to prep the night before, and the result is a deliciously comforting breakfast that tastes even better than a classic stovetop version. Forget those frantic morning scrambles; this recipe delivers a warm, satisfying breakfast without the early-morning stress. The best part? It requires minimal cleanup—a huge bonus for a busy mom.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. I often adjust it to suit what I have on hand. Sometimes I use regular milk instead of yogurt, or I swap the mixed berries for sliced bananas or peaches. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different spices, sweeteners, or even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!

Why this recipe works for busy people:

• Prep Ahead: The bulk of the work is done the night before. Simply assemble the ingredients and let the bread soak overnight. This eliminates morning rush.
• Minimal Cleanup: There's only one baking dish to wash, making for a quick and easy clean up.
• Delicious and Satisfying: It’s a hearty breakfast that will keep you full and energized until lunchtime. Trust me, it’s far better than a rushed bowl of cereal!
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences and what you have in your pantry.
• Family Friendly: My kids love this French toast, and it's a great way to get them to eat some fruit.

Ingredients you'll need:

• Stale bread (challah, brioche, or even leftover sandwich bread works great)
• Eggs
• Milk (or yogurt)
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Butter
• Frozen mixed berries (or other fruits)

Tips for success:

• Use slightly stale bread for the best results. Fresh bread will tend to become soggy.
• Don’t overbake. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Feel free to add other spices or extracts for extra flavour.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

This Overnight French Toast isn't just a breakfast; it's a symbol of efficiency and deliciousness in the face of a busy schedule. It’s a testament to the idea that wholesome, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. So go ahead, make your mornings easier and more delicious. You deserve it!

Step-by-step

• Coat a 9 x 5 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and fill with bread cubes.
• Place eggs, milk, salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, 2 tsp sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
• Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure to coat all of the bread pieces.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• The following morning remove the french toast from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Melt the butter and drizzle it over the top of the french toast.
• Sprinkle the top with remaining cinnamon and sugar, followed by the frozen mixed berries.
• Bake until golden brown and puffy, about 30 - 40 minutes.
• Let cool 5 - 10 minutes before serving.