This Christmas French Toast Casserole recipe has been a holiday tradition in my home for years—part comfort food, part celebration. What’s even better is how simple it is to prepare. With days like Christmas being so busy, I love that this dish can be made ahead of time, freeing me up to focus on the moments that matter most. The combination of sweet cinnamon, fluffy bread soaked in custard, and a light crunch from the toppings feels like a culinary hug.
Table of Contents
How to make Christmas French Toast Casserole
Christmas French Toast Casserole is a festive, make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that’s especially popular on Christmas morning.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of bread (e.g., brioche, challah, or French bread) – cubed or sliced into 1-inch pieces.
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Garnishes & Serving Suggestions:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (like cranberries or raspberries for a Christmas vibe)
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prep Work: Grease a casserole dish (9×13 inches works perfectly) with butter or nonstick spray. Cube or tear your bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the casserole dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces in the casserole dish. Ensure every piece is soaked for that creamy center!
- Optional Refrigeration: Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or better yet, overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard completely and enhances the flavor. (If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake immediately.)
- Prepare the Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and pecans (if using). Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly and combined. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If you prefer a softer, pudding-like consistency, bake for around 45 minutes. For a slightly firmer texture, bake closer to 55 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with fresh berries and whipped cream for extra Christmas cheer.
Cooking Tips
- Bread Choices Matter: Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal because they’re slightly dense but absorb custard well. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which may turn mushy.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight. In the morning, simply add the topping and bake.
- Cut Back on Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the sugar in the custard or topping without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Holiday Flavors: Want to kick up the festive vibes? Add a splash of rum extract or bourbon to the custard for a little holiday flair, or toss dried cranberries into the bread mixture.
- Crunchy vs. Soft: If you love a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 1–2 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
What to serve with
Christmas French Toast Casserole is indulgent, warm, and packed with sweet holiday flavors, making it the star of any festive breakfast or brunch.
1. Fresh Fruits (For Brightness & Balance)
Serving fresh fruit alongside the Christmas French Toast Casserole adds natural sweetness, color to the table, and balances out the richness of the dish. Choose fruits that complement the holiday flavors.
Ideas:
- Seasonal Berries: Cranberries, raspberries, or strawberries for that bright red, festive look.
- Sliced Fruit: Fresh oranges, apples, or pears provide a juicy, refreshing contrast.
- Fruit Salad: Combine fruit chunks with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a lighter side dish.
2. Protein Options (For Savory Balance)
Christmas French Toast Casserole is sweet and rich, so balancing it with savory proteins creates a harmony of flavors and ensures everyone’s fuller for longer!
Options:
- Breakfast Meat: Crispy bacon strips, sausage links, or ham slices pair beautifully and add a savory element to the meal.
- Eggs: Serve scrambled eggs or soft-boiled eggs to complement the casserole while adding extra protein.
- Smoked Salmon: For a more elegant touch, smoked salmon on the side can impress your guests.
Ingredients Substitutes
There are plenty of ways to substitute ingredients when making a Christmas French Toast Casserole.
1. Bread Substitutes
The bread serves as the base of the casserole, absorbing the custard mixture and taking on its creamy texture. While brioche, challah, or French bread are the most common options, there are other alternatives depending on what you have or your dietary needs.
Options:
- Whole Grain Bread: Adds a nuttier, heartier flavor to the dish and is healthier.
- Sourdough Bread: For a slight tang that balances the sweet custard, sourdough works well.
- Gluten-Free Bread: Ideal for those with gluten allergies. Opt for sturdy options like gluten-free sandwich bread or rolls to ensure structure in the Christmas French Toast Casserole.
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread: For extra festive flavors, this bread complements the warm spices in the recipe perfectly.
- Croissants: Adds an ultra-buttery and flaky texture, creating a richer casserole.
- Sweet Rolls or Hawaiian Bread: For a sweeter base, these can add a subtle honeyed flavor to the dish.
2. Egg Substitutes
Eggs form the base of the custard, binding the bread and creating that creamy texture. If you’re out of eggs or looking for a plant-based option, there are some great alternatives.
Options:
- Flaxseed Meal or Chia Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel.
- Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu per egg. It creates a creamy texture without altering the flavor significantly.
- Store-Bought Egg Replacer: Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or JUST Egg work really well as substitutes in baked dishes.
- Banana or Applesauce: For a naturally sweet substitute, use ¼ cup mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce per egg. This works well with the holiday flavor profile but adds moisture, so bake slightly longer.
3. Milk Substitutes
Milk or cream is used to create a creamy custard. However, there are plenty of dairy-free options or alternatives to suit your preferences.
Options:
- Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk are perfect for a dairy-free substitute. Opt for unsweetened versions to better control the sweetness of the casserole.
- Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: For an extra creamy texture, use a richer dairy alternative like half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Evaporated Milk: Adds richness but has a slightly different flavor profile that complements holiday dishes.
- Cashew or Macadamia Milk: Both are creamy options that work well in custard recipes.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the casserole for an unexpected twist.
4. Sugar Substitutes
Sugar adds sweetness to the custard and the streusel topping, but you can easily swap it with healthier or alternative sweeteners without losing the festive flavor.
Options for Granulated Sugar:
- Maple Syrup: Use ¾ cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar. It brings a warm, woody sweetness.
- Honey: Use ¾ cup honey for every cup of sugar, but note this adds more moisture, so adjust other liquids accordingly.
- Coconut Sugar: A natural sugar that’s less processed and has a caramel-like flavor.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Use these sugar alternatives according to their package ratios to replace sugar. Perfect for diabetic-friendly options.
Options for Brown Sugar:
- Molasses and Granulated Sugar: Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon molasses to mimic the texture and flavor of brown sugar.
- Date Sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness that’s perfect for the holiday theme.
5. Butter Substitutes
Butter is primarily used in the streusel topping, contributing to the golden, crispy texture. If you need a non-dairy option or want healthier alternatives, these substitutions work well.
Options:
- Coconut Oil: Solid coconut oil works as a 1:1 substitute for butter, giving a slightly tropical hint to the topping.
- Vegan Butter or Margarine: Plant-based alternatives like Earth Balance work seamlessly in this recipe.
- Applesauce: For a lower-fat alternative, use applesauce in the streusel topping. Combine with a bit of oil to mimic butter’s texture.
- Olive Oil or Neutral Oils: A simple swap for melted butter in the topping or greasing the casserole dish.
6. Spices Substitutes
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring festive flavors to the casserole, but you can mix it up depending on your preferences or pantry availability.
Options:
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Swap nutmeg and cinnamon for a ready-made blend of pumpkin pie spice, which typically includes cloves and ginger for added warmth.
- Allspice or Clove: If you want a deeper holiday aroma, add a pinch of allspice or clove to the custard mixture.
- Cardamom: A great swap for nutmeg, cardamom adds an exotic and aromatic holiday flair.
Final Thoughts
Serve this delicious Christmas French Toast Casserole with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and let the magic of Christmas morning unfold around the breakfast table.
More Casserole Recipes:
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