If you’re looking to create a breakfast that captures the cozy spirit of the season, this Christmas Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a rich, comforting dish that you can prepare ahead, letting all those flavors meld overnight so your kitchen wakes up smelling heavenly. With its golden, custardy bread and warm spices, it’s no wonder this casserole has become a consistently trending Christmas breakfast recipe that brings both family and holiday cheer to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the soft brioche soaking up the creamy egg mixture to the cinnamon and brown sugar adding that nostalgic holiday warmth and flavor.
- Brioche bread: Choose a fresh loaf cubed for a tender, buttery base that absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Large eggs: They bind the flavors and create the rich, custardy texture everyone loves.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and keeps the custard light and smooth.
- Heavy cream: Boosts richness, making every bite luxuriously soft.
- Brown sugar: Provides sweet depth and a caramel touch, enhancing the festive feel.
- Cinnamon: The quintessential Christmas spice that fills the casserole with warmth and aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Christmas Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish and bread
Begin by greasing your baking dish well—that helps prevent sticking and makes sure your casserole slides out perfectly after baking. Then, cube your brioche bread evenly and spread it across the dish in an even layer. This bread acts as the golden foundation for your casserole, soaking up all the delicious custard that comes next.
Step 2: Whisk the custard mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth, ensuring your custard has that wonderful balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy notes that make the casserole so unforgettable.
Step 3: Combine and refrigerate overnight
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in your baking dish. Next, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it into the refrigerator overnight. This easy step allows the bread to soak up every bit of the custard, making morning prep virtually effortless and the end result incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Remove your casserole from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set but still creamy inside. This oven time creates that irresistible crusty top while ensuring the inside remains soft and custardy—exactly what you want from a dreamy holiday breakfast.
Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool just slightly before serving. The best part is enjoying it warm, with all the luscious flavors showcasing perfectly. It’s a genuine crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug on a plate.
How to Serve Christmas Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Try topping your casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look, or drizzle warm maple syrup to add sweetness and moisture. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted pecans give a pop of color and texture that turns each bite into a festive treat. Whipped cream is always a welcome crowd-pleaser, adding lightness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or citrus segments refresh the palate amid the rich custardy bread. For a cozy holiday feast, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or a warm spiced apple compote.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in rustic ceramic baking dishes for a charming holiday table centerpiece. Alternatively, try portioning it out in individual ramekins for personalized servings that make guests feel extra special. Adding sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks around the dish adds holiday flair and a sensory treat beyond just taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole reheats beautifully, retaining its moist texture without drying out—a great way to enjoy a cozy breakfast even after Christmas Day.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When you want a quick holiday breakfast, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a convenient, delicious treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Covering the dish with foil helps keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche?
Definitely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness, you can substitute challah, French bread, or even thick-cut white bread depending on what you have. Just remember, a bread with a sturdy crumb holds up best to soaking overnight without falling apart.
Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?
Overnight soaking is what makes this recipe so special—allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard ensures a soft, creamy texture throughout. If you’re short on time, soaking for at least 4 hours can work, but overnight is optimal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can swap out milk and cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use a flax or chia “egg” for a vegan twist. The flavor and texture might change slightly, but it can still be a delightful holiday dish.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
The casserole is done when the custard is set and not jiggly in the center, and the top is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean, with just a bit of moistness from the creamy custard.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Adding dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of cream cheese can give this casserole a festive upgrade. Just fold them into the bread before pouring on the custard to evenly distribute flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly a gift to your holiday mornings—easy to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting family or just treating yourself, this dish brings comfort, warmth, and festive charm all in one delicious bite. Don’t wait for the holidays to enjoy it; once you try it, it’s going to be a favorite all year round!
Print
Christmas Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight soak plus 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Overnight French Toast Casserole is a rich, cozy, and indulgent breakfast dish perfect for holiday mornings. Made with brioche bread soaked overnight in a sweet and creamy egg mixture flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, it bakes to a golden, custardy perfection that’s sure to delight your family and guests.
Ingredients
Base
- 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 baking dish generously to prevent sticking, then evenly spread the cubed brioche bread inside the dish.
- Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are well coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard flavors.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.
- Serve warm: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm, optionally topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for added festive flair.
Notes
- Using brioche bread gives a rich and tender texture but challah or other brioche-style breads can be used as alternatives.
- The overnight soak is crucial for the custard to fully penetrate the bread, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels to your taste preference.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- For added festive touches, try adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a streusel topping before baking.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *