gingerbread overnight french toast casserole / french toast casserole overnight — Makes: *12 Servings*
Per Serving: *18g Protein | 315 Cal*

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Whether you’re hosting a holiday crowd or just looking for a festive and fun weekend breakfast that the whole family will love, you’ve got to try my Gingerbread Overnight French Toast Casserole. Prepped the day before and then finished and baked when you’re ready to eat, it’s a quick and easy breakfast that’s tailor-made for busy holiday mornings.

With a base of fluffy Hawaiian rolls, a spiced-molassed custard, and a show-stopping gingerbread crumble topping, this overnight French toast casserole is bursting with holiday cheer. Plus, it wouldn’t be one of my recipes if it didn’t pack a protein punch. Each serving of this casserole contains 18g of protein for a filling yet indulgent breakfast you’re sure to love.

Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

High in protein: Each serving of this cozy overnight French toast casserole packs in 18g of protein for a satisfying breakfast that sticks with you right on through present-opening (or lazy weekends at home).
Great for the holidays: Whether you’re actually kicking off Christmas morning with this cozy casserole or you’re just looking for festive recipes to embrace the season, you can’t go wrong with this combo of warm baking spices, molasses, and a sweet crumble topping.
Make-ahead friendly: For best results, prep this French toast casserole in advance, pop it into the fridge, and bake it the next day when you’re ready to dig in. It doesn’t get easier when hosting for the holidays!
A total crowd-pleaser: French toast casseroles are so cozy. Soft inside, crispy on top, and the perfect hint of sweetness, it’ll be a total hit.
Healthy comfort food: This French toast casserole is indulgent without being heavy, plus it’s more filling and macro-friendly.

a serving of gingerbread overnight french toast casserole / french toast casserole overnight on a plate

Ingredients

1 loaf protein Hawaiian rolls, cubed (12 pieces) - I used Hero Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
6 large eggs
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk OR Fairlife milk
2 scoops vanilla or cinnamon whey/casein blend
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or brown sugar substitute
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1.5 tablespoons gingerbread spice (or DIY blend listed below)
Cooking spray

DIY Gingerbread Spice Blend

2 teaspoons ground ginger
1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon allspice

Gingerbread Crumble Topping

3/4 cup oat flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 scoop protein powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons light butter, melted
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Dry out the bread: Turn on your oven and set it to preheat to 300 degrees F. Place your cubed bread on 1-2 sheet pans (make sure they have enough space). Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until lightly dry. Remove the pans from the oven and cool completely.
Blend the custard mixture: Add eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, protein powder, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla, salt, and gingerbread spice blend to a large bowl or a blender. Blend with a high-speed blender or an immersion blender until completely smooth.
Assemble the casserole: Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Add the cooled, dried bread. Pour the egg mixture over the top and gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the custard.
Make the gingerbread crumble topping: Add the oat flour, brown sugar, protein powder, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt to a medium bowl. Mix well with a rubber spatula until it looks like wet sand. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Chill: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place the casserole in the fridge overnight.
Bake: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap or foil. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. If it starts to get too brown and toasty on top, cover with foil.
Serve: Remove the baked casserole from the oven. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes. Slice, top with your favorite toppings, and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving - Makes 12 Servings)

Calories: 315
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 33g
Fat: 12g

a square of gingerbread overnight french toast casserole / french toast casserole overnight on a plate in front of the bigger serving dish

How to Serve This Overnight French Toast Casserole

A drizzle of maple syrup
Whipped Greek yogurt
Fresh berries
Fresh fruit
Dusting of powdered sugar
Cinnamon or pumpkin-spice yogurt

Swaps & Substitutions

Add chocolate chips for a chocolate chip gingerbread version.
Swirl in cranberry sauce or jam before baking.
Chop pecans and add to the crumble topping.
Dollop cream cheese all over before baking.
Up the protein by using Fairlife milk or serving with whipped Greek yogurt or Greek yogurt mixed with a little protein powder.

overhead shot of gingerbread overnight french toast casserole / french toast casserole overnight with a portion on a plate

FAQs

If you’d prefer, you can use brioche, challah, or any slightly sweet roll. You could also use Italian bread, French bread, or even just a regular white bread or sandwich bread.
No, you don’t! I just like using them to add a little extra protein, but you can use any kind of Hawaiian roll or other bread. The macros will just vary depending on what you ultimately choose.
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.
You can use any kind of protein powder you like best, but I prefer using a whey/casein blend when baking. Depending on what you use, you may find that you’d like to add a little more milk to thin the custard slightly.
You don’t, but it adds a lot of flavor and texture (plus a little extra protein), so I recommend it. If you’re really wanting a slightly lighter option, consider halving the amount of crumble instead of skipping it entirely.
When the center is fully set (but still a little soft) and the top and edges are golden brown, your casserole should be done. If you’d like, you can insert a tester to the center to double check.
For best results, let your assembled French toast casserole sit overnight, but if you’re really in a time crunch, let your casserole sit and soak for at least 20 minutes, then bake for 38-45 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

This gingerbread overnight French toast casserole is everything you’re looking for this winter. Packed with protein, super cozy and delicious, and easy to make in advance, it just may become a new favorite.

Gingerbread French Toast Casserole

Yield: 12

Author: Ashley aka The Protein Snack Queen

This gingerbread overnight French toast casserole is everything you’re looking for this winter. Packed with protein, super cozy and delicious, and easy to make in advance, it just may become a new favorite.