Brioche French Toast Casserole with cranberries is a delightful, make-ahead dish that elevates breakfast to a new level. This creamy, custard-soaked casserole combines soft brioche with tart cranberries and a hint of orange zest, making it a holiday favorite or a cozy weekend treat. The ease of preparation allows you to enjoy a luxurious breakfast without the hassle, perfect for gatherings or festive mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Brioche French Toast Casserole

This Brioche French Toast Bake is not only delicious but also versatile and simple to prepare. Here are some reasons to love it:

Perfect for holiday gatherings and brunches with friends.
Can be made ahead of time, saving you morning stress.
Combines rich flavors of orange and cream, elevating the dish.
Can be customized with different fruits or nuts for variety.
Easy to serve and portion for a crowd.
Ideal for those who love a decadent start to their day.

This recipe is a fantastic example of how to make brioche French toast casserole that everyone will love, blending the comfort of traditional flavors with a modern twist.

Ingredients for Brioche French Toast Casserole

Gather these items:

20-24 ounces loaf of brioche bread, cut into 1” cubes
6 large eggs
2 ¼ cups whole milk
¾ cup heavy cream
¾ cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
orange zest, from 1 orange
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
1½ cups frozen cranberries
Optional: ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing it. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, and extracts until smooth.
Step 2: Arrange half of the bread in the pan. Spread 1/3 to 1/2 of cranberries evenly over the bread. Layer in the remaining bread and cranberries.
Step 3: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring every piece is moistened.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight for a deeper flavor and better soak.
Step 5: Preheat oven to 350°F. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top of the bread mixture. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden and the custard is just set in the center.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Brioche French Toast Casserole

Keep these in mind:

Use French bread, sourdough bread, or cinnamon raisin bread as alternatives for brioche.
For richer flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Orange extract enhances the flavor significantly.
Frozen cranberries can be substituted with fresh ones for a burst of flavor.
To create a creamy brioche French toast dish, consider adding a bit more heavy cream.

Best Ways to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole

This dish is versatile when it comes to serving. Consider pairing it with:

Brioche French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup for added sweetness.
A sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
Serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory complement.

How to Store and Reheat Brioche French Toast Casserole

To store any leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This make-ahead brioche French toast casserole is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brioche French Toast Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Brioche French Toast Casserole?

The secret lies in allowing the bread to soak in the custard mixture long enough. For a truly indulgent experience, refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.

Can I make Brioche French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brioche French Toast Casserole?

Ensure the bread is sufficiently stale or toasted to absorb the custard without falling apart. Also, avoid underbaking; the custard should be set but still soft.

Variations of Brioche French Toast Casserole You Can Try

For those looking to mix things up, here are some ideas:

Swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor.
Try adding a layer of chocolate chips for a decadent twist, creating a Brioche bread pudding style dish.
Consider making a gluten-free version using gluten-free bread and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Incorporate spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation that works great in fall!

This Brioche French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start any day, combining comfort and elegance effortlessly. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a casual weekend treat, this dish will surely impress your family and friends!

Brioche French Toast Casserole: 5 Steps to Decadence

Author: basmer
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Brioche French Toast Casserole with Cranberries is a make-ahead holiday favorite that’s easy and elegant. Soft, custard-soaked brioche is baked with bursts of tart cranberries and bright orange zest.

Instructions

Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing it. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, and extracts until smooth.
Arrange half of the bread in the pan. Spread 1/3 to 1/2 of cranberries evenly over the bread. Layer in the remaining bread and cranberries. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring every piece is moistened.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight for a deeper flavor and better soak.
Preheat oven to 350°F. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top of the bread mixture. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden and the custard is just set in the center.

Notes

Use French bread, sourdough bread, or cinnamon raisin bread as alternatives for brioche.
For richer flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Orange extract enhances the flavor.
Frozen cranberries can be substituted with fresh ones.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American