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Easy Christmas Morning Baked French Toast Casserole

Christmas Morning Baked French Toast Casserole - featured image
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This light and cozy baked French toast casserole is the perfect make-ahead Christmas morning breakfast. With a soft, custardy interior and a caramelized brown sugar topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that lets you enjoy the holiday without stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (14-16 ounces) brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to dry slightly. Alternatively, toast in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
  2. Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy, about 1 minute. Add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Place the bread cubes in the prepared dish. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently with a spatula to help absorption.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole. If using nuts, scatter them on top.
  6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from fridge and let sit for 20 minutes.
  8. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.
  9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides before baking. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes. Let the casserole rest before cutting to help it hold its shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked French toast casserole, Christmas breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, holiday brunch, easy French toast casserole

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-christmas-morning-baked-french-toast-casserole/