Cranberry French Toast Casserole

Cranberry French Toast Casserole

Cranberry French Toast Casserole, sometimes called a French toast bake or overnight French toast, is one of my favorite recipes that uses cranberries. Perfect for Christmas morning or any other special breakfast or Sunday morning brunch.

Ingredients :

• 16 ounces challah bread , or brioche
• 2 cups fresh cranberries , divided
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup pecans , chopped

Directions

1. Coat a 2-3 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Tear the Challah bread into 2 inch pieces and place them in casserole dish. Top with 1 cup of the fresh cranberries (it will be piled high!). Set aside.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk until little bubbles form.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread. Toss and lightly squeeze with your hands so the bread absorbs some of the custard. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, toss again to coat with any custard that sunk to the bottom. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cranberries. Set aside.
6. In a mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and pecans. Blend or cut using a pastry cutter until well combined.
7. Using two forks, drop pieces evenly on the top of the casserole.
8. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
9. Remove and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Maple syrup is optional.
10. If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.