Orange and Apple French Toast Casserole

Orange and apple French toast casserole is the perfect prep-ahead breakfast or brunch. Assemble the night before and bake it off the next morning.

Sweet apples and orange juice are mixed with raisins and spices and it’s all topped with crunch pecans.

Christmas morning is the happiest and most fun part of the year that deserves a delicious feast. This is Christmas morning comfort food. The day starts off with just my husband and I, but as the morning goes on, family, friends and neighbors drop by to exchange gifts or just Christmas wishes. 

This orange and apple French toast casserole is perfect for this time. I prepare the casserole the night before, then bake it off the next morning. It can stay warm in the oven, covered for hours so I can offer visitors a warm and comfy breakfast. After all, why not start the day as you mean to go on, eating!

Now let’s get into this delicious recipe. Sweet fresh apples and orange are the main flavors for this casserole. Along with warming cinnamon, nutmeg and sweet raisins, this is the perfect way to start the most festive day. 

I used a buttery brioche bread for extra flavor, but you can use any of your favorite bread. I chose not to add any sweetener to the egg mix as there is vanilla and orange juice in there to sweeten and the special melted butter, orange and maple syrup drizzle also adds great flavor and sweetness. 

I like to have the people eating this dish control the sweetness level with maple syrup when serving it and having just eaten some (it’s so good), this was a good choice.

Serving tip

If you have people coming and going (as happens to me), you can keep the casserole warm in a 200°F degree oven covered with foil. Just put it back into the oven after you’ve allowed it to cool down from its initial cooking.

Another savory dish option to offer guests is Sweet Potato and Sage Frittata.

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Yield: 8

Orange and Apple French Toast Casserole

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Sweet apples and orange juice are mixed with raisins and spices and it's all topped with crunch pecans.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 slices brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 medium red apples, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 1 cup (220 grams) raisins
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (230 ml) milk
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) orange juice, plus 2 teaspoons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Small pinch nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 teaspoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. Grease a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Add the bread, apples and raisins to the dish and mix well so the raisins and apples are evenly distributed.
3. In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, 3/4 cup orange juice, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pour the egg mix evenly over the bread so every piece gets moistened.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight if making ahead. Take out the fridge 20 minutes before baking to allow to come to room temperature.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F/176°C.
6. Mix the melted butter, maple syrup and 2 tablespoon orange juice in a bowl. Drizzle half over the bread (the rest is for serving).
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 40 more minutes until golden brown and remove from the oven.
9. Top with the chopped pecans and allow to cool slightly for 10 minutes. Serve warm with rest of the butter, maple syrup, orange juice mix.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 460Saturated Fat 12gCholesterol 270mgSodium 316mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 2gSugar 12gProtein 12g