Print

Cozy French Toast Casserole

cozy french toast casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy-to-make French toast casserole perfect for Christmas morning, featuring custardy layers of brioche soaked overnight in a spiced custard with a subtle maple sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah, sliced thick (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml) or half-and-half
  • 1 cup small-curd, full-fat cottage cheese (about 225 grams)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (80 ml), plus extra for serving
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional topping:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Slice brioche loaf into 1-inch thick slices and arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer, cutting slices to fit if needed.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until smooth but not frothy.
  3. Add cottage cheese to the custard mixture and blend with a hand blender or food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds. If no blender, whisk vigorously.
  4. Pour custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently with a spatula to soak well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  5. Before baking, mix brown sugar with chopped nuts and sprinkle evenly on top (optional).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until top is golden brown and slightly crisp and center is set but soft.
  7. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up. Serve warm with extra maple syrup or fresh fruit.

Notes

Do not skip the overnight soak for best custard absorption and texture. Use brioche or challah for best results. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. For dairy-free, substitute almond or oat milk and silken tofu for cottage cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, Christmas breakfast, holiday brunch, custard soaked bread, brioche casserole, easy breakfast casserole

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-perfect-christmas-morning-breakfast/