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Cozy Christmas Morning Baked French Toast Casserole

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This make-ahead baked French toast casserole features a soft, custard-like center and a crunchy brown sugar streusel topping. Perfect for a stress-free Christmas morning, it feeds a crowd and fills your home with the warm aromas of cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (16-18 ounces) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Maple syrup for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using dried cranberries or pecans, scatter half over the bread.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and sugar is dissolved.
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down to ensure all cubes are soaked. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit for 15 minutes. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and center is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. If using fresh bread, dry it out in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and flour. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk, coconut cream, and plant-based butter. Double the streusel if you love a crunchy top. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked French toast casserole, Christmas breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, overnight French toast, streusel topping, holiday brunch

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-christmas-morning-baked-french-toast-casserole/