Christmas morning is a special time. It is full of joy, family, and cozy moments. The last thing you want to do is spend the entire morning in the kitchen, right? You want something delicious that feels festive but doesn’t require a lot of work.
That is where this amazing overnight French toast casserole comes in. It is one of my favorite Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas because you do all the prep work the night before. You just pop it in the oven in the morning. The house fills with the warm scent of cinnamon and caramel. It is simply wonderful.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver for any holiday gathering. It is the centerpiece of our family’s Christmas Morning Brunch every single year. It takes the stress right out of the morning cooking schedule.
The best part is that it is a make ahead dish. You assemble everything the night before. This means more time for you to sip coffee, watch the kids open presents, and actually enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
It is also a huge crowd pleaser. Both kids and adults love the sweet, gooey caramel bottom and the soft, custardy bread. It is comforting, satisfying, and feels like a special treat for your Christmas Brunch Food spread.
Plus, it is incredibly easy to make. You do not need any special equipment or advanced cooking skills. If you can whisk eggs and slice bread, you can make this beautiful casserole. It makes your whole Christmas Brunch Buffet look fantastic with minimal effort.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is simple and uses things you probably already have. It is one of the most approachable Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas you can find.
For The Casserole
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 loaf of crusty French bread (about 8 ounces), cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups milk
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For The Topping
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step By Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to put this lovely dish together. It is easier than you think. This is one of those Holiday Brunch Ideas that looks impressive but is actually quite simple.
Step 1: Prepare The Caramel Base
First, get all your ingredients ready. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is important so nothing sticks. In a small saucepan, stir together one cup of brown sugar and the unsalted butter.
Warm this mixture over medium low heat. You just want to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar. It should only take a few minutes. Once it is smooth, pour this caramel mixture directly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 2: Assemble The Casserole
Now for the fun part. Take your bite sized pieces of French bread and scatter them over the caramel. You want a nice, even layer about one and a half to two inches deep. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of bread. It will soak up the custard.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until it is all well combined and a little frothy. This custard mixture is key to amazing Christmas Brunch Food.
Carefully pour this egg mixture over the bread pieces. Try to cover all the bread. Then, use a spatula to gently press the bread down. You want to make sure every piece gets a chance to absorb that rich liquid. This is what makes the casserole so moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Let It Rest Overnight
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least eight hours, or just leave it overnight. This resting period is so important. It allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, which results in a tender, delicious texture.
Step 4: Bake To Golden Brown
When you are ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (or 175 degrees C). While it heats up, you can make the simple topping.
In a small bowl, mix together one tablespoon of brown sugar and the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole. It adds a little sparkle and a nice crust. It truly elevates your list of Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas.
Bake the casserole for 50 to 60 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. It should not jiggle too much when you gently shake the pan. The whole kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut it into squares. When you lift a piece out, be sure to spoon some of that luscious caramel from the bottom of the pan right over the top. It is the best part. This is what makes it a star of any Christmas Brunch Buffet.
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How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer individual portions to an airtight container.
The casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick warm up. Or, place it back in the oven at a low temperature until it is heated through. It tastes just as good the next day.
Tips
Want to make your Christmas Morning Brunch even more special? Here are a few tips. Use day old, crusty bread like a French baguette or challah. Stale bread is better at soaking up the custard without getting too soggy.
Feel free to add a little something extra. A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking adds a lovely crunch. You could also toss some fresh berries on top after it comes out of the oven for a bit of brightness.
For a richer flavor, you can use half and half instead of milk. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the custard mixture for more warm holiday flavor. Customizing recipes is what makes Holiday Brunch Ideas so much fun.
When serving, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup is always a welcome addition. It really completes the dish and makes it feel like a decadent treat. This is one of the best Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas for a reason.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, delicious, and stress free main course for your holiday gathering. This overnight French toast casserole really is one of the best Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas you can choose.
It lets you be present with your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen. It is a warm, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. I hope this recipe brings a little extra joy to your holiday table this year. Happy holidays to you and yours.
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types Of Bread?
Absolutely. While crusty French bread is great, other breads work well too. Challah or brioche will give you a richer, more custardy result. Even a sturdy sandwich bread will work in a pinch. The key is to use bread that is a day or two old so it is a little dry.
Can I Add Fruit Or Nuts To This Casserole?
Yes, this is a great way to customize your dish. You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nice crunch. Some people like to layer sliced bananas or apples between the bread pieces. Just be aware that adding fruit might add extra moisture, so you may need to bake it a few minutes longer.
How Do I Know When The Casserole Is Fully Cooked?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and puffy. The center should be set, meaning it does not jiggle much when you gently shake the pan. If you are unsure, you can insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it is ready to go.
What Should I Serve With This French Toast Casserole?
This casserole is a great starting point for your Christmas Brunch Buffet. It pairs wonderfully with savory items. Consider serving it alongside some crispy bacon, sausage links, or a simple egg scramble. A fresh fruit salad also adds a nice, light contrast to the rich casserole. It’s a key part of our Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
This comforting overnight French toast casserole is a festive and easy dish perfect for holiday brunches. Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for a warm, sweet treat with a gooey caramel bottom and soft, custardy bread.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small saucepan, stir together 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Warm over medium-low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Pour this caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Scatter the bite-sized French bread pieces over the caramel in an even layer (1.5-2 inches deep).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and frothy.
- Carefully pour this egg mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring all bread is covered. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down to absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and discard plastic wrap. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set (does not jiggle).
- Let cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares and spoon extra caramel from the bottom over each piece before serving.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer individual portions to an airtight container. The casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick warm up. Or, place it back in the oven at a low temperature until it is heated through. It tastes just as good the next day.
Use day old, crusty bread like a French baguette or challah. Stale bread is better at soaking up the custard without getting too soggy.
Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking for crunch. You could also toss some fresh berries on top after it comes out of the oven for brightness.
For a richer flavor, use half and half instead of milk. Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the custard mixture for more warm holiday flavor.
When serving, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup is always a welcome addition.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
