Your New Favorite Easy and Delicious Christmas Morning Tradition

In honor of Christmas being just over one week away, I thought it was the perfect time to share one of my favorite holiday traditions… French Toast Casserole on Christmas morning! This has been our go-to Christmas morning breakfast recipe since my daughter was little. What’s so great about this recipe is it’s prepared ahead of time, meaning you can just pop it in the oven on Christmas morning. Less time spent scrambling in the kitchen and more time spent enjoying the holiday with loved ones! 

Believe me when I say this isn’t your typical breakfast casserole. It combines all of your favorite things about traditional French toast into one pan of perfectly baked yumminess! Made using a handful of ingredients (think fluffy bread infused with hints of cinnamon and vanilla) in just a few steps, this French Toast Casserole is the ultimate Christmas morning breakfast recipe. The golden, caramelized edges and soft, fluffy center make every bite pure perfection. Whether you drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries, this casserole is as beautiful as it is delicious. I hope this delicious French Toast Casserole recipe brings you as much holiday joy as it’s brought my family over the years. 

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Delicious French Toast Casserole

Everything you love about French Toast packed into one baking dish! The perfect make-ahead holiday breakfast!

Servings 10 people

Author Chef Tiffany Blackmon

Equipment

• 13 x 9-inch casserole dish

Ingredients

• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 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
• Maple syrup, optional 

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 beaten. 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

• This recipe calls for packed light brown sugar. This means firmly pressing the ingredient into the measuring cup to remove air pockets and fill it to the exact level.
• 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. They are enriched breads with a rich flavor and a soft, fluffy texture that becomes custard-like when cooked.
• This recipe freezes well. To reheat, just thaw and pop in the oven.
• This recipe is adjusted from my cookbook as I have tweaked through the years.