If you’re looking for a festive and delicious breakfast, look no further than Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole! This dish combines the warm flavors of gingerbread with the comfort of French toast, making it perfect for holiday mornings or any special occasion. The best part? You can prepare it the night before, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Why make this recipe
This casserole is not only tasty, but it’s also super convenient. With only minimal preparation the night before, you can impress your family and friends with a warm, homemade breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen in the morning. Plus, the gingerbread flavor adds a unique twist that sets it apart from regular French toast. It’s the ideal way to start a cozy day!
How to prepare Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole
Making this casserole is easy and fun! Let’s break it down step by step.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of gingerbread bread (or bread of choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of streusel topping (store-bought or homemade)
Steps:
- Grease a baking dish and cube the gingerbread bread, placing it evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
How to serve Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole
Serve this casserole warm from the oven, straight to the table! It pairs beautifully with toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
How to store Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warm.
Tips to make Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole perfectly
- Ensure the bread cubes are well-coated with the egg mixture, so they soak up all the flavors.
- Make the streusel topping from scratch for a fresh taste. It usually includes flour, butter, and sugar mixed together to make a crumbly texture.
- Let the casserole cool for a bit after baking. This will make serving easier and allow the flavors to settle.
Variations
Feel free to mix it up! You can use different types of bread, like challah or brioche, for a richer flavor. Add in some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to customize it to your taste!
FAQ
1. Can I use regular bread instead of gingerbread?
Yes! Any type of bread will work, but you may miss out on the gingerbread flavor.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to cover it well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
3. Is this casserole suitable for a large group?
Absolutely! It’s a great dish to serve at brunch or family gatherings. You can easily double or even triple the recipe!
Now grab your ingredients and get ready to make this delightful Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole! Your mornings will never be the same. Enjoy!
Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Casserole
A festive and delicious casserole combining gingerbread flavors with the comfort of French toast, perfect for holiday mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of gingerbread bread (or bread of choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of streusel topping (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish and cube the gingerbread bread, placing it evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: breakfast, casserole, gingerbread, French toast, holiday recipe