Dessert

Christmas French Toast Casserole: 5 Ways to Savor Cheer Recipe

Byluca Carter December 10, 2025December 10, 2025

Introduction

This Christmas French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting dish perfect for holiday mornings. Soft cubes of French bread soak in a rich, spiced custard and bake to golden perfection. It’s a festive way to gather around the table and savor seasonal cheer.

A close-up view of a square piece of bread pudding on a white plate, showing multiple layers of soft, golden-brown baked bread cubes with a slightly crispy top. The pudding is soaked in a light amber syrup that spreads around the base, creating a shiny pool on the white marbled surface beneath the plate. The bread cubes have a textured, fluffy interior with a slightly caramelized crust. A light dusting of powdered sugar covers the top, adding a fine white layer contrast against the rich brown tones. The lighting highlights the moist texture and soft layers of the pudding. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf of French bread, cubed
8 large eggs

2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add the cubed French bread to the egg mixture and gently stir to ensure all pieces are soaked.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 5: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the bread absorb the custard.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 7: Remove from the oven, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add orange zest or a splash of brandy to the custard mixture.
Use day-old or slightly stale French bread for better absorption.
Top with fresh berries or chopped nuts for added texture and color.

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. This casserole can also be assembled ahead and frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown bread pudding. The dish shows roughly 3-4 layers of soft bread pieces that have risen and charred slightly on top, creating a crisp texture with a mix of dark browned and light yellow areas. The bread chunks are irregular and soaked in a glossy caramel sauce pooled at the bottom of the dish. The pudding is dusted generously with fine white powdered sugar that contrasts with the warm colors of the baked bread. The background is a white marbled texture, adding a clean and bright look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the French bread with a gluten-free bread variety. Be sure the bread is sturdy enough to absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.