Overnight French Toast Casserole

Collect all the necessary ingredients and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with some lubricant to prevent sticking.

Combine the brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved, taking about 2 to 4 minutes. Pour the resulting mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Arrange the French bread pieces evenly over the top of the baking dish in a layer that is roughly 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated. Pour this mixture over the bread pieces, then use a spatula to gently press down on the bread so that it absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

When you're ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the French toast.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly, taking about 30 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent overcooking.

To serve, cut the casserole into squares and invert them onto serving plates.