An Easy & Delicious Christmas Morning Tradition

One of our favorite family traditions is a slow Christmas morning spent exchanging gifts and enjoying a fabulous slice of French Toast Casserole. A perfect harmony of fluffy bread with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, this recipe easily combines everything you love about traditional French Toast into one pan of baked yumminess. The best part? It’s all prepared ahead of time, so Christmas morning, you can pop it in the oven and focus on enjoying the holiday with loved ones instead of scrambling in the kitchen! With effortless preparation and irresistible taste, this recipe is guaranteed to become a joyful (and delicious) holiday tradition. Prepare to hear this dish requested frequently. Bon appétit and happy holidays!

This recipe was adapted from my book, 300 Best Casserole Recipes! To make this recipe even easier, I’ve linked my favorite kitchen essentials below. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more recipes, tips, and inspiration straight to your inbox!

French Toast Casserole Recipe

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French Toast Casserole

Everything you love about traditional French Toast baked into one pan of Christmas morning yumminess!

Servings 10 people

Author Chef Tiffany Blackmon

Ingredients

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
• Cooking spray
• 6-8 cups brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
• 6 eggs
• 1 ½ cups half and half
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon 
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup; microwave on HIGH for 45 to 55 seconds or until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved (or melt in a saucepan over medium-low heat). Stir well and pour into a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange bread pieces evenly over butter mixture.
• In a large bowl, whisk eggs until blended. Whisk in half and half and vanilla. Pour evenly over bread, pressing bread down until moistened.
• In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Uncover baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until set and golden brown. Sift confectioners’ sugar over top. Serve immediately.

Notes

TIFFY’S TIPS:

• I love topping each slice with berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. 
• Both challah and brioche are great breads for French toast and this recipe as they are enriched breads with a rich flavor and a soft, fluffy texture that becomes custard-like when cooked. 
• This recipe freezes well. Just thaw and pop in the oven. 
• This recipe is adjusted from my book as I have tweaked through the years.