This is the perfect, easy, make-ahead breakfast that has all of the flavors of your favorite French toast!
I love French toast. I always have. And I love to make it, but it can be time consuming. Until now of course. Enter The Greek Yogurt Cookbook…
When I was writing the “Breakfast and Brunch” chapter for The Greek Yogurt Cookbook, I knew I had to make some type of French toast. Well I did, and not only is it ridiculously delicious, but it’s so easy to make. Who doesn’t love a dish that you can make ahead? This casserole recipe will be one that you make many times. And everyone you make it for will thank you.
This is an old picture…I have made this for almost every special occasion in the Kelly house because it’s one of those rare dishes that everyone loves!
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf stale bread
- 5 whole organic cage-free eggs
- 2 organic cage-free egg whites
- 1 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 3 ⁄4 cup 100 percent pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cold butter diced
- 1/3 cup unrefined brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ⁄4 cup minced pecans optional
Instructions
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Spray a 9" × 13" casserole dish with organic nonstick cooking spray.
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2. Tear bread into pieces and spread them throughout the casserole dish in an even layer.
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3. In a large bowl, mix eggs, egg whites, Greek yogurt, milk, and maple syrup. Mix very well until smooth and thoroughly combined. Pour egg mixture completely over bread.
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4. In a small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and pecans, if using. Mix until all ingredients are combined, even if still lumpy.
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5. Sprinkle the butter mixture on top of the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. If cooking the same day, make sure to refrigerate at least 30 minutes before baking.
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6. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and the middle of the dish is set. Serve immediately with maple syrup, if desired.
The Greek yogurt not only adds some protein but it also makes it creamy without all of the extra fat and calories.
This just might be my favorite recipe from the whole cookbook. Just saying 🙂
ENJOY!
I bought several copies of The Greek Yogurt Cookbooks to give as Christmas gifts and my husband made the Overnight French Toast Casserole on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning he baked it and it was a hit with my family!! The only downside was there were NO leftovers. I am looking forward to trying more recipes this week.
YAY!! I also made the Overnight French Toast Casserole for Christmas morning and no leftovers here either 😉 Thanks os much for letting me know Kathy, you made my day!
Flour? What am I missing here? I went to this site for wheat-free recipes.
Hi Judith! I did write a wheat-free cookbook, but not all my recipes are wheat-free. This recipe is actually from another cookbook I wrote, The Greek Yogurt Cookbook. You can easily make this gluten and whet free by using gluten free AP flour and gluten free bread. Thanks for stopping by!
Can you use regular brown sugar?
Instead of the maple syrup? It might have a different texture, I’ve never tried it. I am sure it would still taste great, let me know how you like it 🙂 Thanks Sandy!
I love Greek yogurt in all things! Great idea to use it in this casserole. What a yummy breakfast.
This makes getting up and easy super easy to do! I love that you threw in Greek yogurt as well…sounds great!
I’m still debating what to make for Christmas morning… this is high up on my list, though!!! YUM.
I love French toast too, and a make-ahead version is great for weekends with house guests! I’ve never made it with Greek yogurt before. Love the nutritious boost it gives!
Thanks Katie!
I love easy bake breakfasts like this and love your updated pics!
Thanks Brenda 🙂
I am going to need to get a copy of that cookbook! this sounds wonderful
Thanks Theresa!
I can’t tell you how much I love that this is made with yogurt! This is something that I’m bookmarking for when my family visits at Christmastime.
Hope you like it Dara!
There is something so comforting at waking up in the morning not having to worry about breakfast but knowing that you have a french toast casserole calling your name. Great recipe!
Thank you!
I love the way you’ve lightened up this dish. This is a good one to save and make for holiday guests!
Yes I make this for Christmas every year Valerie!
I am loving this french toast! We don’t eat it that much because it can take quite a bit of time out of a busy morning. This is the perfect solution!
Thank you!
I see that you originally posted this around the holidays – but what a great idea for those crazy back to school mornings too!
I add greek yogurt to a lot of my recipes, this one looks fantastic! Great for holidays, I can’t wait to try it!
This looks amazing! I can’t believe I’ve never tried a French Toast Casserole. Our whole family loves French Toast, so I think this is a must-try (plus the Greek yogurt!).
This looks SO good! I’ve made regular old French toast maybe twice. It just doesn’t seem that exciting. But this?! So much better!
I’ve done french toast casseroles a few times, it’s my preferred way. I love how the bread gets in the oven but never overnight. Love how this looks and added greek yogurt!
Made with yogurt?? Wow! I made my first overnight french toast casserole this past Christmas and it made me wonder why it took me so ling to try it! Yummo!
Quick question…. In the pictures the bread is in whole pieces, but the recipe calls for it to be broken. Which one is better? We are definitely doing this tomorrow! Thank you!
Great question Julie! I have probably made tis 100 times and I do it both ways. Today I didn’t as much time so I left it in big pieces. It really doesn’t matter, I think if you have the time then break them up. I really hope you like it! Merry Christmas!