Holiday Spice French Toast Casserole
Holiday Spice French Toast Casserole
On Christmas morning I like to have breakfast ready to put in the oven so I can focus on being with my family rather than cooking in the kitchen. This casserole can be made the night before and is so easy to put together. You can prepare it two ways, filled with holiday spices and creamy custard or with extra eggs and layered with cheese. If you have a really big crowd you can make both!
What are the basic ingredients needed for Holiday Spice French Toast Casserole?
I like to use Brioche but any soft bread will work. To give your casserole a gingerbread flavor, make sure you have cinnamon, cloves, and ginger on hand. You can also add a couple tablespoons of molasses. Fresh cream and buttermilk add richness to this dish. Dipping the bread in sweet cream is the secret to a rich custard. Right before serving, add a dollop of whip cream to each serving. Crumbled ginger snaps are optional.
Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble this dish ahead of time. Simply butter a 9- by-12 inch dish, layer the sliced bread, pour the custard over the bread, cover, and refrigerate. Put the casserole in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. Serve warm with a dollop of whip cream and crumbled gingersnaps.
Can you change up the ingredients?
Yes you can! Try making this with 6 eggs, milk or cream, 2 cups of shredded cheese, and chopped bacon bits. Mix eggs, milk, cheese, and bacon in a medium size bowl. Layer your bread in a buttered 9- by -12 dish and pour the egg over the bread. Cover and refrigerate until the next morning. So easy!
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Holiday Spice French Toast Casserole
This sweet custard french toast that can be assembled the night before, making it a great option for those mornings when you've got a houseful of hungry guests. The added cinnamon, dash of cloves, and molasses make this the perfect holiday breakfast treat to serve during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup butter for frying
- 1 loaf Brioche or and soft bread
Instructions
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Stove Top: Mix custard ingredients and set aside
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Slice Brioche
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Preheat large skillet and add 1 tbsp butter
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Dip bread in custard and fry for a couple minutes on each side or until golden brown
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Overnight Method: Mix custard ingredients and set aside
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Butter a 9-by-13 inch baking dish and layer the bread
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Pour custard mix over the top, cover, and refrigerate
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes
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Syrup: 1/2 cup buttermilk plus 1 cup maple syrup
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Optional: Add a dollop of whip cream and crushed ginger snaps
Recipe Notes
Try the egg and cheese version! Double the eggs, add 2 cups of cheese a few pieces of bacon.
