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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of caramelized sugar and sweet vanilla wafting through your kitchen. That’s exactly what you can expect with Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, custard-like goodness and the satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar. It’s a show-stopping breakfast that looks as impressive as it tastes, yet it's surprisingly simple to prepare. Did you know that crème brûlée, the inspiration behind this dish, dates back to 1691? Traditionally, it's a rich custard topped with a hard caramel shell. Now, we’ve taken that delicious idea and turned it into a fabulous breakfast favorite! If you're a fan of my other popular dish, Golden Brown Pancakes, you’ll definitely want to try this one too. So, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for special occasions and weekend brunches alike!
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf French bread sliced 1-inch thick
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • Butter the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and arrange the French bread slices in a single layer.
  • Whisk Together the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring that each slice is thoroughly soaked.
  • Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb all that delicious custard.
  • Preheat the Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare for Baking: Remove the plastic wrap and dot the bread with small pieces of the remaining butter. Sprinkle some extra sugar on top for that signature caramelized finish.
  • Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the toast is golden and puffed.
  • Cool and Top: Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle some extra sugar on top and broil briefly if you want an extra crispy topping.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top—or any toppings of your choice!
  • What to Serve Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast With
  • Looking for something to complement your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast? You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy, seasonal fruit salad that adds a refreshing touch. Freshly squeezed orange juice or a strong cup of coffee would pair perfectly as well! And if you want to dive into more breakfast options, consider serving it alongside a light yogurt parfait for a well-rounded meal.
  • Top Tips for Perfecting Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
  • Choose the Right Bread: Using a thick, crusty French bread will give you the best results. A softer bread can become overly soggy.
  • Don’t Rush the Soaking: Make sure to give the bread plenty of time to absorb the custard overnight for a rich flavor.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with spices like nutmeg, or even add zest from an orange or lemon for a citrus kick.
  • Storing and Reheating Tips
  • If you end up with leftovers—though I doubt there will be any—you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can pop them in the microwave for a quick fix—just be careful not to overheat!
  • So, are you ready to indulge in this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast? With its delightful flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to savor again and again. Give it a try—you won't be disappointed!