Orange Cranberry French Toast Casserole
Awaken your senses with a delightful symphony of flavors in this Orange Cranberry French Toast Casserole, a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble bread into a breakfast sensation.
Imagine tender cubes of French bread, generously soaked in a custard infused with the vibrant zest of oranges and the tangy sweetness of cranberries. As the casserole bakes to golden perfection, the aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg waft through the air, enticing you closer to this irresistible treat.
Picture yourself savoring each bite, the warm, fluffy bread melting in your mouth as the sweet and tart flavors dance on your palate. The cranberries add a delightful burst of texture, while the walnuts, if desired, lend a touch of crunch and nutty richness.
This Orange Cranberry French Toast Casserole is not just a breakfast; it’s an experience, a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply indulging in a cozy morning at home, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will awaken your senses and leave you craving more. With every bite of this Orange Cranberry French Toast Casserole, you’ll discover a world of flavor and delight.
Questions I often get about this amazing french toast:
Q: Can I use stale bread for this casserole?
A: Yes, you can use stale bread for this casserole. In fact, it may actually work better than fresh bread, as the stale bread will absorb the custard more easily.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Then, in the morning, simply bake it for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the eggs are set.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. To freeze, assemble the casserole and freeze it unbaked. When you are ready to serve it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the eggs are set.
Q: What can I substitute for the walnuts?
A: You can substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. You can also omit the nuts altogether.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit in this casserole?
A: Yes, you can use other fruits in this casserole, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the berries may need less time to cook than the cranberries.
Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: To make this casserole healthier, you can use whole-wheat bread instead of white bread. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of milk or half and half. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
What you need to make this recipe:
Ingredients:
1 (12-ounce) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
2 cups milk
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 orange
4 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How to make it:
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange zest.
Add bread cubes and cranberries to the milk mixture and toss to coat. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together eggs. Pour the eggs over the bread mixture.
Sprinkle with walnuts, if desired.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are set.
Tips:
For a richer flavor, use half and half or heavy cream instead of milk.
If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the recipe.
You can also add other fruits to this casserole, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
This casserole is best served warm with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Printable Recipe:
Orange Cranberry French Toast Casserole
A delightful breakfast casserole bursting with the vibrant zest of oranges and the tangy sweetness of cranberries.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange zest.
- Add bread cubes and cranberries to the milk mixture and toss to coat. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together eggs. Pour the eggs over the bread mixture.
- Sprinkle with walnuts, if desired.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are set.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half and half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- If you don't have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the recipe.
- You can also add other fruits to this casserole, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
- This casserole is best served warm with maple syrup or whipped cream.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make dessert. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook.
More recipes from us:
Easy Christmas Cheesecake
Best Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Christmas Cranberry Vodka Slush
