Description
Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfasts mean stress-free holiday mornings. Whip up these recipes ahead for a cozy, festive brunch without the rush.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (16-18 oz) brioche bread, day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Toppings & Finishers:
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries), for serving
- Optional Extras:
- Crispy bacon or sausage links, for serving
- A splash of orange zest in the custard
Instructions
- Prep the Bread Base:: First things first, grab that beautiful brioche. Tear it or cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes. Honestly, I just tear it because it feels more rustic, and who needs perfect cubes when you’re half-asleep on Christmas Eve? Spread these bread pieces evenly in a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish. You want them nestled in there, but not squished. This is where the magic starts to happen, soaking up all that goodness.
- Whisk the Custard Mixture:: In a big bowl, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and real maple syrup. Don’t forget the pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and that little pinch of nutmeg. Give it a good whisk until everything is totally combined and a bit frothy. This is the heart of your Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfasts, so make sure it’s smooth. I always take a deep sniff here; the smell is just heavenly already!
- Soak and Chill Overnight:: Carefully pour that glorious custard mixture all over the bread cubes in your baking dish. Make sure every piece of bread gets a good soak; you might need to gently press the bread down a bit with the back of a spoon. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. This is the crucial “make-ahead” part – let it chill for at least 8 hours, or even better, overnight. This is what gives you that deep flavor and perfect texture.
- The Morning Warm-Up:: When you wake up on Christmas morning (or whenever you’re ready!), pull the casserole out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the casserole and dot with those little pats of unsalted butter. This step is what gets you that lovely, slightly crispy, caramelized top.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Uncover the dish and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and a set center. If it starts getting too dark too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. I once forgot to tent it, and the edges got a little *too* crispy, oops! The kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine, like cinnamon and warm sugar – that’s your cue!
- Serve with Festive Flair:: Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows everything to settle and makes for easier serving. Then, dust generously with powdered sugar – it looks like fresh snow, honestly! Top with fresh berries for a pop of color and a little extra freshness. Slice it up and serve your delicious Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfasts. Enjoy those relaxed, happy holiday vibes!