French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese (Overnight Breakfast)

There’s something almost magical about waking up to the smell of a warm, baked breakfast already waiting for you. That’s exactly why French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese has become such a beloved classic for busy mornings, holidays, and relaxed weekends alike. This dish challenges the idea that great breakfast has to be made last minute—in fact, it’s even better when prepared ahead.

With layers of custardy bread, pockets of creamy tangy cream cheese, and a hint of cinnamon-maple sweetness, this overnight French toast casserole delivers bakery-style comfort with minimal morning effort. If you’ve ever wished breakfast could feel indulgent and stress-free, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount / Quantity
French or sourdough bread, diced into 1-inch cubes	1 lb
Cream cheese (reduced fat works well)	4 oz
Large eggs	8
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp
Pure maple syrup	1/4 cup (plus more for serving)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Milk	2 1/2 cups
Butter, melted	4 tbsp

Ingredient note: Slightly stale bread works best here—it soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.

Timing

Stage	Time
Prep time	15 minutes
Refrigeration time	8–12 hours (overnight)
Bake time	45 minutes
Total time	About 9–13 hours (mostly hands-off)

Why it’s worth it: While the total time looks long, most of it is resting time in the fridge. Your actual hands-on work is under 20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish and bread

Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Tip: Make sure the bread layer is even so the custard absorbs uniformly during chilling.

Step 2: Add the cream cheese layer

Pinch off small pieces of cream cheese and scatter them evenly over the bread layer. This creates creamy pockets throughout the casserole as it bakes.

Tip: Slightly chilled cream cheese is easier to pinch and distribute than room-temperature cream cheese.

Step 3: Finish layering the bread

Add the remaining bread cubes on top, gently spreading them out to fully cover the cream cheese layer.

Tip: Don’t press down yet—this step comes after adding the custard.

Step 4: Make the custard mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
Whisk in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is fully blended.

Tip: Whisking thoroughly helps create a silky custard that bakes evenly without streaks of egg.

Step 5: Pour and soak

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all pieces are moistened.
Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the liquid.

Tip: This step is key for a soft, custardy texture—dry bread spots will stay dry after baking.

Step 6: Chill overnight

Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. This resting time allows the bread to fully soak up the custard.

Tip: Overnight soaking is what transforms this into a true overnight French toast casserole with rich flavor and structure.

Step 7: Bake to golden perfection

Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Tip: If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 8: Serve warm

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzled on top.

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	~380–420 kcal
Protein	~15–18 g
Carbohydrates	~38–45 g
Sugar	~14–18 g
Fat	~18–22 g
Saturated Fat	~9–11 g

Nutrition insight: Eggs and milk provide protein and calcium, while using reduced-fat cream cheese helps balance richness without sacrificing creaminess.

Healthier Alternatives

You can easily adapt this French toast casserole with cream cheese to suit different dietary goals:

• Lower sugar: Reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons and rely more on maple syrup at serving time.
• Higher fiber: Use whole-grain or sprouted bread instead of white bread.
• Lower fat: Choose reduced-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives (texture may vary slightly).
• Protein boost: Add an extra egg or replace part of the milk with unsweetened Greek yogurt for a thicker custard.

Each option keeps the casserole comforting while aligning better with specific nutrition needs.

Serving Suggestions

Make this casserole shine with thoughtful pairings and presentation:

• Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas for brightness and contrast.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a brunch-worthy finish.
• Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet-and-savory breakfast spread.
• Offer whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side for guests to customize.
• Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or relaxed family mornings when you want something special without stress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using very fresh bread: Fresh bread can become soggy.
  Solution: Use day-old bread or lightly toast it first.
• Skipping the overnight soak: This results in uneven texture.
  Solution: Chill at least 8 hours for best results.
• Uneven cream cheese distribution: Large chunks won’t melt evenly.
  Solution: Pinch small pieces and scatter them well.
• Overbaking: Leads to a dry casserole.
  Solution: Bake just until the center is set and the top is golden.
• Not pressing the bread down: Dry spots won’t absorb custard.
  Solution: Gently press after pouring the liquid.

Storing Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, covered.
• Freezing: Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-ahead bonus: You can assemble this up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.

Conclusion

This French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese is everything a great breakfast should be: comforting, rich, and incredibly convenient. The overnight method delivers deep flavor and a soft, custardy texture with pockets of creamy sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply want an easy morning win, this dish proves that planning ahead pays off deliciously.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more make-ahead breakfasts and cozy favorites you’ll love sharing.

FAQs

Q1. Can I make this French toast casserole without chilling overnight?

Yes, but the texture won’t be as rich. If short on time, chill for at least 2–3 hours, though overnight soaking is strongly recommended.

Q2. What type of bread works best?

French bread and sourdough are ideal because they’re sturdy and absorb custard well. Brioche also works for a richer, softer result.

Q3. Can I add fruit to this casserole?

Absolutely. Blueberries, sliced strawberries, or diced apples can be layered with the bread for added flavor and freshness.

Q4. How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel set (not jiggly) when gently shaken.

Q5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Simply use two baking dishes rather than one deeper dish to ensure even cooking throughout.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love other make-ahead breakfast casseroles or baked French toast variations on the blog.