Overnight Challah French Toast Bake

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 1 loaf challah bread
• 2 cups milk
• 6 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)

Night Before

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the 1 cup of brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves (about 2–4 minutes). Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly across the bottom.

3. Slice the challah into approximately 2-inch slices. Arrange the slices in the baking dish until the entire pan is filled. Do not cut into serving-sized pieces yet; the finished bake will be sliced before serving.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour evenly over the bread, gently pressing the bread down as needed so it absorbs the custard. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Next Day

6. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

7. Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar evenly over the top.

8. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.

9. Allow the French toast bake to rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice into individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage

This French toast is delicious served either fresh from the oven or chilled straight from the refrigerator.