This baked French toast recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, is your secret weapon for effortless and delicious weekend brunches. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a home filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Top it with fresh fruit and syrup for a crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole that’s both easy and impressive.
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast Casserole with fresh blueberries and powdered sugar.
Weekend mornings are for relaxation, not slaving away in the kitchen. That’s why this overnight French toast casserole, reminiscent of Ree Drummond’s easy-going style, is a game-changer. Imagine waking up, slipping it into the oven, and enjoying a leisurely morning while a warm, decadent brunch bakes to golden perfection. If you’re a fan of Food Network and shows like Pioneer Woman, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and home-style goodness of this recipe. It’s perfect for those who love Ree Drummond’s recipes like her famous Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, Baked Ziti, or Knock You Naked Brownies, bringing that same comforting, crowd-pleasing charm to your breakfast table.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Overnight French Toast is a Brunch Game-Changer
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is known for her approachable and delicious recipes, and this overnight French toast casserole embodies that spirit. What makes this recipe a must-try?
- Make-Ahead Magic: The overnight soak is the key! It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a supremely moist and flavorful French toast. This make-ahead convenience frees you up on busy mornings.
- Effortless Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a casual get-together, or simply want a special family breakfast, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. It feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
- Customizable & Versatile: Use your favorite bread – from sourdough to brioche – and top it with any fruit you desire. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the creamy custard perfectly.
- Ree Drummond Inspired: Channeling the Pioneer Woman’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals, this recipe brings that same comforting, family-friendly appeal to your kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast
This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients to create a truly special breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread: A sturdy loaf is essential. Sourdough, French bread, brioche, challah, or even ciabatta work wonderfully. Day-old bread is ideal as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Eggs: The foundation of the custard, use quality eggs for the best flavor and richness. Organic or free-range eggs are excellent choices.
- Milk & Cream: Whole milk provides moisture, while heavy cream adds a touch of decadence and richness. For a slightly lighter version, you can use more milk and less cream.
- Sugar: A combination of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Brown sugar also contributes a hint of molasses.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and aroma.
- Cinnamon: The star spice in the topping, cinnamon provides that classic French toast flavor.
- Butter: Used for greasing the pan and in the crumble topping, butter adds richness and flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used in the crumble topping to create a crumbly texture.
- Nutmeg & Salt: A pinch of nutmeg and salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Close-up of torn bread chunks in a greased casserole dish, first step of Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast
Making this Pioneer Woman inspired overnight French toast is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple breakdown:
For the French Toast Casserole:
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a baking pan with butter. Tear or cube your chosen bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared pan.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Image of custard ingredients being whisked together in a large bowl for Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast.
- Soak Overnight: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This soaking time is crucial for the best texture and flavor.
For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add Butter: Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small pebbles. Store the topping in a resealable bag in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Image of cinnamon crumble topping ingredients mixed in a bowl for Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add Topping & Bake: Remove the French toast casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the cinnamon crumble topping evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. For a softer, more bread pudding-like texture, bake for the shorter time. For a firmer, crispier texture, bake for the longer duration.
Image of cinnamon crumble topping sprinkled over the bread in the casserole dish, ready to be baked for Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast.
- Serve Warm: Let the casserole cool slightly before scooping out portions.
Tips for the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Bread Choice Matters: Use a bread that can stand up to soaking. Softer breads like sandwich bread may become too soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: This is key for achieving the perfect texture and allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cold Butter is Crucial for Crumble: Cold butter ensures a crumbly, not doughy, topping.
- Baking Time Varies: Keep an eye on your casserole as oven temperatures can vary. It’s done when golden brown and set in the center.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Overnight French Toast
This delightful French toast casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brunch:
- Fresh Fruit: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or peaches are classic and refreshing toppings.
- Warm Syrup: Maple syrup, pancake syrup, or even a homemade fruit syrup drizzle beautifully over the warm casserole.
- Whipped Cream or Yogurt: Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
- Side of Bacon or Sausage: For a heartier brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage.
Enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired Overnight French Toast Casserole for your next special breakfast or brunch. Its make-ahead convenience and delicious flavors are sure to make it a family favorite!
