This Holiday Morning French Toast Casserole transforms ordinary breakfast into a decadent, festive treat that your family will eagerly anticipate each year. With its rich, custard-like texture infused with vanilla and cinnamon, and topped with a crunchy praline layer, this dish combines the best of sweet and savory in every bite. Perfect for large gatherings or a special family breakfast, this casserole ensures that your holiday celebrations start with a memorable and delicious meal.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or simply want to add a touch of elegance to your morning routine, this French Toast Casserole is both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare. The overnight soak allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that scream festive indulgence. Pair it with your favorite syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of richness. This recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition, bringing joy and satisfaction to your holiday mornings.
Ingredients For holiday morning french toast casserole
FRENCH TOAST
- 8 large egg knot dinner rolls, or 1 large loaf French bread (about 1 kg)
- 8 large eggs (about 400 g total)
- 2 cups half and half (about 480 ml)
- 1 cup milk (about 240 ml)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (about 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (about 2.5 g)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (about 2.5 g)
- Dash of salt (a small pinch)
PRALINE TOPPING
- 1 cup butter, softened (about 230 g)
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, light or dark (about 200 g)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts, you can use pecans if you prefer (about 150 g)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (about 30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (about 2.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (about 1 g)
How To Make holiday morning french toast casserole
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the egg knot rolls into 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) thick slices, yielding about three slices per roll. If using a French bread loaf, slice it into approximately 20 slices of the same thickness. Arrange the slices in a generously buttered 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half and half, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of salt. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until well blended but not overly frothy.
- Combine with Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly soaked. Use a spoon to gently press the mixture between the slices, allowing some of it to seep into the bread for maximum flavor infusion.
- Chill the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture fully.
- Prepare the Praline Topping: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (about 177°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, firmly packed brown sugar, chopped walnuts, light corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and creamy.
- Add Praline to Casserole: Spread the praline mixture evenly over the soaked bread slices in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution for a consistent crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows the flavors to set and the texture to firm up slightly. Slice into squares and serve warm, optionally drizzling with maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ensuring the casserole remains fresh and delicious for future breakfasts.
As you carve into this Holiday Morning French Toast Casserole, relish the perfect harmony of soft, custardy bread and the delightful crunch of praline topping. Each bite delivers a comforting blend of spices and sweetness, embodying the festive spirit of the season. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for your holiday gatherings. Its rich, indulgent flavors make it a standout addition to your breakfast repertoire, ensuring that every Christmas morning begins with a touch of culinary magic. Share this delightful casserole with loved ones and enjoy the joyous moments it helps create. Enjoy!
