Name: Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf day-old French bread (cubed); 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup half-and-half; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup melted unsalted butter

One calm evening, Sunny was scrolling through Pinterest while thinking ahead to breakfast. She didn’t want to wake up early or stand at the stove flipping slices of bread. She wanted something comforting that could be ready with almost no effort in the morning. That’s when Paula Deen’s “Overnight French Toast” Recipe caught her attention. Thick bread soaked in rich custard, baked all at once, and served warm felt like the answer. Inspired by the lighter baked French toast casserole shared on Paula Deen’s site, this recipe felt familiar and reassuring. Sunny liked that it turned a classic breakfast into something you prepare the night before and simply bake. For someone who enjoys trying recipes she finds online and learning by doing, this Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe felt practical, comforting, and perfect for relaxed mornings.

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This dish works beautifully for holidays, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a warm breakfast without morning stress.

Why Overnight French Toast Is So Loved

What Makes Overnight French Toast Different

Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe stands out because it shifts the work to the night before. Instead of soaking bread for minutes, the bread absorbs custard slowly overnight. That extra time creates a soft, custardy interior with lightly crisp edges once baked.

Because the bread rests fully in the egg mixture, the texture stays consistent throughout the casserole. There are no dry spots and no soggy centers. Every slice feels balanced, rich, and comforting.

Why This Recipe Feels So Comforting

This Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe feels comforting because it delivers familiar flavors in a low-effort format. Cinnamon, vanilla, eggs, and milk come together without complicated steps.

The casserole bakes evenly and fills the kitchen with a warm aroma. That sense of ease and familiarity explains why overnight French toast remains a favorite for family breakfasts.

Ingredients and Measurements

Ingredient List With Clear Measurements

This Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe uses simple breakfast staples.

Ingredient Table:

Ingredient	Measurement
Day-old French bread, cubed	1 loaf (about 12 cups)
Large eggs	6
Whole milk	2 cups
Half-and-half	½ cup
Granulated sugar	½ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, melted	¼ cup

These measurements create a rich custard without overwhelming sweetness.

Why Each Ingredient Matters

French bread provides structure for this Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe. Day-old bread absorbs custard better without falling apart. Eggs create the custardy texture. Milk and half-and-half add creaminess.

Granulated and brown sugars balance sweetness and add depth. Cinnamon and vanilla provide warmth and aroma. Butter enriches the casserole and helps the top brown evenly.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Step by Step

Assembling the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, half-and-half, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces soak. Drizzle melted butter over the top.

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.

Baking the French Toast

The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Bake the Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top turns golden and the center sets. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the custard finishes setting.

Serving Ideas, Storage, and Variations

How to Serve Overnight French Toast

Serve this Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe warm. Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit. It also pairs well with bacon or sausage for a full breakfast.

The casserole slices cleanly and stays soft inside, making serving easy for groups.

Easy Ways to Change the Recipe

You can adjust this Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe easily. Add sliced bananas or berries before chilling. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking. Use brioche or challah instead of French bread for richer texture.

These changes keep the dish familiar while allowing personal touches.

FAQs

Can I make overnight French toast more than one night ahead?
It works best when soaked overnight, but up to 24 hours is fine.

Why should I use day-old bread?
Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better without becoming mushy.

Can I freeze baked French toast casserole?
Yes. Freeze portions tightly wrapped and reheat gently.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should feel set and no longer jiggle.

This Paula Deen’s Overnight French Toast Recipe shows why make-ahead breakfasts feel so comforting. It relies on simple ingredients, steady soaking, and hands-off baking. That’s why it caught Sunny’s attention during a relaxed scroll and why it fits everyday cooking so well. With custardy texture and warm flavor, this dish turns any morning into something special.