Christmas Morning French Toast Bake
This delightful French toast bake is perfect for Christmas morning brunch or any special occasion. With a rich brown sugar and butter base, each slice is perfectly soaked and baked to golden perfection. Prep it the night before to save time and impress your guests with the aroma of warm, sweet goodness filling the house. Serve it with your favorite toppings like fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an unforgettable breakfast experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn syrup or maple syrup
2 tablespoons (Use corn syrup for sweetness or maple syrup for a more robust flavor.)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted.)
Brown sugar
1 cup (Packed.)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (Whole or your preferred type.)
Eggs
5 (Beaten.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Fine sea salt recommended.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor.)
Unsliced bread
1 loaf (A sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best.)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the corn or maple syrup along with the brown sugar, stirring until well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
2
Pour the melted mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3
Slice the loaf of bread into 1/2 inch thick slices, then arrange the slices tightly over the syrup mixture in the baking dish.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well blended.
5
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring they are all well coated. Press down gently to help the bread soak up the mixture.
6
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
7
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8
Bake the French toast uncovered for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
9
Let it cool slightly before slicing and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christmas Morning French Toast Bake?
It is a delightful breakfast casserole with a rich brown sugar and butter base, perfectly soaked and baked to golden perfection, ideal for holidays or special occasions.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best for this French toast bake.
Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
Yes, you can use maple syrup for a more robust flavor or corn syrup for simple sweetness.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How much brown sugar is used for the base?
You will need 1 cup of packed brown sugar for the syrup mixture.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is a make-ahead recipe that should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
What is the required baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake?
The French toast bake takes approximately 45 minutes to bake uncovered.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the oven?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered so it can become golden brown and puffed up.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe requires 5 beaten eggs.
What type of milk can I use?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of whole milk or your preferred type of milk.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The loaf of bread should be sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices.
How do I prepare the syrup base?
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the syrup and brown sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
What is the best way to ensure the bread is well-soaked?
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and press down gently to help the slices soak up the liquid.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt, preferably fine sea salt, is used to balance the sweetness.
What type of vanilla extract should I use?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended to enhance the overall flavor.
What are some suggested toppings?
Serve with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Does this recipe count as comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized under comfort food, brunch, and breakfast tags.
Can I make this for Christmas morning?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed as a holiday recipe for Christmas morning.
How do I know when the French toast is done?
It is ready when it is golden brown and has puffed up in the oven.
Should the bread be sliced or unsliced?
You should start with a loaf of unsliced bread and slice it yourself into 1/2 inch pieces.
How should I arrange the bread in the dish?
Arrange the slices tightly over the syrup mixture at the bottom of the dish.
Do I need to let it cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Is the brown sugar measured packed or loose?
The 1 cup of brown sugar should be packed.
How long must it refrigerate at minimum?
It needs at least 4 hours of refrigeration time.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Can I use different syrups?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of either corn syrup or maple syrup.
Does this dish have a specific aroma?
Yes, it fills the house with the aroma of warm, sweet goodness.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is designed to impress guests and save time through its make-ahead preparation.