An Easy & Delicious Christmas Morning Tradition

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

Another reason this French Toast Casserole is a holiday favorite? The cozy aroma of cinnamon and vanilla it fills your home with. The golden, caramelized edges and soft, fluffy center make every bite pure perfection. Whether you drizzle it with maple syrup, dust it with powdered sugar, or top it with fresh berries, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the ultimate way to start a magical Christmas morning!

Plus, this recipe isn’t just for Christmas! It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for any special occasion or brunch gathering. My husband requests this on his birthday every year! Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, celebrating a birthday, or craving a comforting breakfast, this French Toast Casserole delivers every time. It’s an easy way to bring people together around the table—because the best holiday memories are made over good food and great company! . Prepare to hear this dish requested often. 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.