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
Scale
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.