My husband asked me recently what I wanted for Christmas, and my first reaction was “to sit and drink my coffee on Christmas morning while everyone opens gifts.” Its simple, but so fitting.
Most holiday mornings I’m in the kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone and missing the moment. So, this Overnight French Toast is perfect for such an occassion. You can prepare it a day ahead and still serve a hot savory breakfast Christmas morning! Bonus points…it’s gluten free!
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This recipe makes about 10-12 servings and easily comes together in under an hour (30 minutes of which is spent baking in the oven). I recommend baking an extra pan and storing for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator so you can enjoy a few easy mornings over winter break. Plus, if history serves well you won’t have any leftovers!
A spin on a classic this overnight french toast has savory thick slices of french bread and a touch of sweetness from the cinnamon apples and cranberries. Enjoy it with your favorite maple syrup and powdered sugar or skip the toppings all together for a less sweet treat.
SHOP MY KITCHEN
HOW TO BAKE OVERNIGHT GLUTEN FREE FRENCH TOAST
| Serving Size: | Cooking Time: | Difficulty: |
| 10-12 people | 30 minutes | Easy |
INGREDIENTS
1 Loaf French Bread or Bag of Udi’s French Bread Dinner Rolls
2 Granny Smith Apples
1/2 Cup Cranberries (I use Craisins)
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
6 Eggs, scrambled
1 Cup Milk or Heavy Whipping Cream
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Maple Syrup (optional)
Powdered Sugar (optional)
DIRECTIONS
- Prepare your apples. Peel and slice your apples. Aim for slices to be 1/4″ or thinner otherwise the apples will not cook completely. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Coat the apple slices. Pour the sugar mixture over the sliced apples and coat each apple slice well with the mixture.
- Layer your ingredients. Grease your 9×13 pan and layer apple slices along the bottom. Sprinkle cranberries over the apple slices.
- Melt butter and drizzle over the apple slices in the pan.
- Prepare your bread. Slice your dinner rolls or loaf of bread into 1″ thick slices. I can get 3-4 slices out of our Udi’s Gluten Free Dinner Rolls, or about 12 slices out of a loaf of french bread.
- Layer your bread slices atop the apples and cranberries in your 9×13 pan. Be sure slices are not stacked.
- Whip your eggs with milk or cream. Add in the vanilla. Pour over the bread slices evenly. Using a fork, push each slice down into the egg mixture and then flip the slices over and repeat. This will ensure each slice soaks in the egg mixture. Sometimes the apple slices keep the egg mixture from reaching the bread slices.
- Sprinkle the top of your casserole with the leftover cinnamon and sugar from the apples.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 375 and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
- You can easily substitute the bread for brioche or braided challah. Ideally, you want something with a little bit of structure, a good crust that can get crispy with a soft center.
- Chopped nuts, fresh blueberries, or raisins would be just as delicious as dried cranberries.
- Top your overnight french toast off with your favorites: a dollop of cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or caramel sauce!
This has been our Christmas morning tradition for years and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household too!
Lastly, if you try this recipe be sure to leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @the.handwrittenhome! I love seeing the pictures you all share of my recipes!
SHOP HOLIDAY HOSTING ESSENTIALS
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