If you’re looking to kick off Christmas morning with a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, this Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden, fluffy brioche cubes soaked in a luscious custard, baked to perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, filling your home with mouthwatering holiday aromas. It’s indulgent but simple, turning an ordinary morning into something truly memorable. This is not just any French toast; it’s the ultimate festive treat that will quickly become your Christmas tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and texture. Think soft brioche bread absorbing a creamy custard, warmed up with cinnamon spice and the comforting scent of vanilla.
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed: This is the star of the show, providing buttery softness and a tender crumb that soaks up all the custard goodness.
- 5 large eggs: They form the rich custard base that binds everything together and ensures a luscious texture.
- 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess while balancing the custard’s richness without overpowering the brioche.
- ½ cup heavy cream: A little dose of indulgence that ensures each bite feels extra luxurious and silky.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel-like sweetness that complements the warm spices perfectly.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: The quintessential holiday spice that brings cozy warmth and depth to the custard.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with its sweet, floral aroma, making every bite heavenly.
How to Make Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking, then evenly spread your cubed brioche bread in the dish. The cubes should be bite-sized but fluffy enough to soak up the custard. This step sets the foundation for a beautiful bake with soft, golden pockets of bread.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This custard mixture is what transforms the plain brioche into a festive, flavorful delight full of rich and spicy notes.
Step 3: Combine Custard and Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the cubed brioche, making sure every piece gets a generous soak. Gently press down the bread cubes so they absorb as much custard as possible, ensuring each bite is soft and custardy rather than dry or tough.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is set but still slightly creamy inside. The aroma during baking alone will make it impossible to wait for Christmas morning!
How to Serve Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or drizzle with warm maple syrup for that classic sweet finish. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a little texture and pop of color, making the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this bake with some crisp bacon or sausage links to balance the sweetness with savory notes. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add brightness and keep the meal feeling fresh and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly festive touch, serve the French toast bake in a beautiful ceramic dish or cast iron skillet straight from the oven. Consider layering the bake with a swirl of cranberry sauce or orange zest in the custard for an extra holiday flair. Don’t forget a generous dollop of whipped cream to turn every bite into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and sometimes there aren’t any), cover and refrigerate the bake for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes leftover slices can be even more delicious cold or reheated!
Freezing
This Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place portions in airtight containers before freezing for up to 1 month. This is perfect for prepping ahead or saving a treat for later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely texture intact. A little fresh drizzle of maple syrup after reheating refreshes the dish spectacularly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of brioche?
Yes, but brioche is preferred for its buttery richness and soft texture that soaks up custard perfectly. Challah or other enriched breads work well too but avoid dense or crusty breads for the best results.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, soaking the bread overnight in the custard can enhance the flavor and texture. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake it fresh the next morning for a hassle-free holiday start.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Definitely. The 9×13 dish makes about 8-10 servings, so it’s great for family gatherings. You can double the ingredients and use a larger dish or multiple pans if needed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. The texture and flavor may vary slightly but still delicious and festive.
What toppings pair best with Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe?
Classic toppings include maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a festive twist, try sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dollop of cranberry compote.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the warmth and joy of the season, this Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe is more than just breakfast; it’s a heartfelt tradition waiting to happen. With its easy preparation and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to brighten your holiday mornings and bring everyone to the table with smiles. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved part of your Christmas celebrations year after year.
Print
Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Brioche French Toast Bake is a festive, comforting breakfast casserole featuring rich, soft brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for holiday mornings, it combines the sweetness of brown sugar and warmth of cinnamon with creamy custard soaked bread cubes for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
Custard Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help with even browning.
- Add bread cubes: Place the cubed brioche bread evenly into the greased baking dish, ensuring the bread is spread out well for custard absorption.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth, creating a flavorful custard base.
- Pour custard over bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the dish, then gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the custard well.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and serve the French toast bake warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- For a more festive touch, consider adding dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or orange zest to the custard mixture before baking.
- Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving so it sets properly and is easier to cut.
- This dish can be prepared the night before by assembling and refrigerating overnight, then baking in the morning.
- Use stale or day-old brioche for best custard absorption without becoming too mushy.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or adding a drizzle of maple syrup on top after baking.
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