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This Christmas Breakfast French Toast Casserole recipe has become a tradition in my home. It’s simple, stress-free, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser (even for the pickiest eaters in the family!). With its pillowy layers of bread soaked in a custard infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a golden, caramelized topping, this casserole is the perfect combination of sweet, indulgent, and satisfying.
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Table of Contents
How to make Christmas Breakfast French Toast Casserole
Christmas Breakfast French Toast Casserole is a make-ahead baked breakfast dish that’s super popular for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread (about 12-14 slices, slightly stale is ideal)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh berries (for a fruity twist)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
- Maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes or thick slices and arrange them evenly in the prepared casserole dish. (Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard more evenly. If using fresh bread, give it a quick toast in the oven.)
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Ensure everything is fully combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the casserole dish, pressing the bread lightly with a spatula to ensure it’s well-soaked.
- Cover and Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and guarantees a rich, soft texture after baking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, (and nutmeg, if using). Add the cubed butter and use a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers to mix until crumbly (resembling coarse crumbs). Stir in the chopped nuts if using. Refrigerate the topping until ready to bake.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. (Insert a knife in the middle to check—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!)
- Serve Warm: Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Add a dusting of powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for an extra festive touch.
Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for hearty, dense bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. These hold up well to the custard without becoming soggy.
- Make It Ahead: Preparing the Christmas Breakfast French Toast Casserole the night before saves time and allows the flavors to deepen. It’s one less thing to worry about on a busy Christmas morning!
- Toppings and Add-Ins: For a holiday twist, try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or fresh berries directly into the casserole. Top with a streusel for crunch or add nuts for a nutty flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness Based on Preference: You can reduce the sugar in the custard if you plan to serve the casserole with syrup or another sweet topping.
- Reheat Leftovers: To reheat, warm leftovers in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds.
What to serve with
While Christmas Breakfast French Toast Casserole is a star dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides, beverages, and toppings can elevate your holiday breakfast or brunch to a true feast.
Classic Syrups:
- Maple Syrup: Always a crowd-pleaser, it pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced custardy flavors of the Christmas Breakfast French Toast Casserole.
- Caramel Sauce: A decadent drizzle of caramel will add a rich sweetness perfect for the holidays.
- Berry or Fruit Syrup: Pomegranate, raspberry, or mixed berry syrups bring a tart, fruity balance.
Whipped Toppings:
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds an airy finish to the dish.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free alternative for guests with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients Substitutes
There are many ways to adapt the recipe without sacrificing its delicious flavor and texture.
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Bread Substitutes:
The foundation of a good French toast casserole is the bread. If you don’t have brioche, challah, or French bread, here are some alternatives:
- Sliced White Bread: Regular sandwich bread works well if it’s slightly stale or toasted. Cut into cubes for the best texture.
- Whole Wheat Bread: A healthier option, though it will add a heartier texture and a nuttier flavor.
- Croissants: These buttery pastries create an extra decadent casserole. Simply tear them into pieces.
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Adds built-in flavor and sweetness while eliminating the need for additional dried fruit.
- Gluten-Free Bread: For individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, use gluten-free bread that is slightly stale or toasted. It’s best to use a higher-quality gluten-free bread for a more stable texture.
Dairy Substitutes for Milk and Cream:
To make the casserole dairy-free or just to suit what you have on hand, try these options:
Milk (Whole, Skim, or Dairy-Free Options):
- Almond Milk: A lightly nutty, dairy-free alternative.
- Oat Milk: Adds a creamier texture and mild sweetness.
- Soy Milk: Another great dairy-free choice, more neutral in flavor.
- Coconut Milk (Canned or Carton): Perfect for a richer and tropical touch—ideal if you don’t mind mild coconut notes.
- Evaporated Milk: Works well in place of whole milk but provides a creamier texture. Dilute slightly if it feels too thick.
Heavy Cream:
- Full-Fat Coconut Cream: Use the thick portion of canned coconut milk for a non-dairy substitute.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth for a similar richness.
- More Milk or Half-and-Half: If you don’t have heavy cream, simply increase the milk portion or use half-and-half if available.
Egg Substitutes:
If you’re catering to someone who doesn’t eat eggs (or you ran out of them), try these:
For Egg-Free/Dairy-Free Custard:
- Flaxseed Meal: Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons of water per egg. Let sit for 5 minutes to gel.
- Chia Seeds: Similar to flax, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2 ½ tablespoons of water.
- Silken Tofu: About 1/4 cup of blended silken tofu per egg works well to bind and thicken the custard.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup per egg for a slightly sweeter, fruity substitute.
- Store-Bought Egg Replacers: These can mimic eggs in binding and texture (like Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer or Ener-G Egg Substitute).
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Breakfast French Toast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for the holidays, combining simplicity with big flavors. The soft, custard-soaked bread pairs beautifully with the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping for a dish that’s warm, nostalgic, and fit for a celebration.
More Casserole Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Fried Onions for Green Bean Casserole
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Copycat Costco Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes or thick slices and arrange them evenly in the prepared casserole dish. (Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard more evenly. If using fresh bread, give it a quick toast in the oven.)
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Ensure everything is fully combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the casserole dish, pressing the bread lightly with a spatula to ensure it's well-soaked.
- Cover and Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and guarantees a rich, soft texture after baking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, (and nutmeg, if using). Add the cubed butter and use a fork, pastry cutter, or your fingers to mix until crumbly (resembling coarse crumbs). Stir in the chopped nuts if using. Refrigerate the topping until ready to bake.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. (Insert a knife in the middle to check—if it comes out clean, it's ready!)
- Serve Warm: Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Add a dusting of powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for an extra festive touch.
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