Orange French Toast Casserole is my go-to Christmas morning French toast casserole. It’s easy to make ahead and tastes like a citrusy creamsicle thanks to fresh orange zest, orange juice, vanilla and cream.
This orange French toast casserole is my most festive French toast recipe. It’s bright, creamy, and built for holiday mornings.
Orange French Toast Casserole Ingredients
This orange French toast casserole leans on a simple custard boosted with the zest and juice of fresh oranges. The citrus lifts the richness so the casserole never feels heavy.
- Day-old bread (brioche, challah, or thick white)
- Eggs
- Orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
- Orange juice
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
- Optional toppings: clementines, sliced almonds, pomegranate arils
Full recipe quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom of the article.
Variations and Substitutions
- Bread: Brioche or challah make the softest, richest orange French toast casserole, but you can use French bread, Texas toast or even baguette.
- Sweetener swap: Honey or light brown sugar works if you don’t have maple syrup.
- Dairy options: Half-and-half works perfectly for a lighter option.
- If you want a stovetop version, try my Best French Toast.
- For cinnamon instead of citrus, check out my quick French Toast Bake,
- For a cubed-bread casserole instead of whole slices, try my classic French Toast Casserole.
Grab These Tools
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large bowl and whisk
- Microplane for zesting
- Foil for tenting if browning too fast
How to Make Orange French Toast Casserole
This orange French toast casserole can be assembled the night before or baked right away. The orange zest perfumes the custard and gives the whole casserole a soft citrus glow.
Mix the Orange Custard
Whisk eggs, orange zest, orange juice, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth. The zest carries most of the orange flavor, so don’t skip it.
Assemble the Casserole
Butter the baking dish. Add bread cubes or layers of sliced bread. Pour the custard evenly over top and press lightly so every piece gets coated. This helps the orange flavor infuse into the bread.
Chill or Bake
Cover and let stand for 10 minutes—or refrigerate overnight for the deepest orange flavor. Bake at 350°F until puffed and the center hits 175–185°F. Tent with foil if the top browns early. Rest a few minutes before slicing.
Make Ahead and Storage
This is the ideal Christmas morning orange French toast casserole. Assemble the night before and bake while coffee brews.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days, tightly covered.
- Keep toppings separate: Add syrup or confectioners’ sugar just before serving.
Freezing
- Freeze slices: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight: In the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
- Oven: 300–325°F, covered at first, then uncover to re-crisp.
- Microwave: For quick single servings (texture will be softer).
How to Serve Orange French Toast Casserole
Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and scatter fresh clementine slices or pomegranate arils for a festive finish.
Toppings & Add-Ins
- Clementines or mandarins
- Pomegranate arils
- Sliced almonds or toasted pecans
- Vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
Great Sides
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausages
- Fresh fruit salad
- Or try another brunch favorite: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Pro Tips + Science-Based Secrets
- Use fresh orange zest: It carries most of the orange flavor.
- Press gently: Helps the bread absorb evenly without compaction.
- Check temperature: 175–185°F in the center for a set but custardy finish.
- Balance sweetness: Keep the casserole lightly sweet and let guests add syrup.
FAQs: Orange French Toast Casserole
Use moderate heat (350°F) and the right egg-to-dairy ratio. Bake until the center reads 175–185°F so it sets without curdling.
Challah and brioche are classics. Day-old slices or cubes hydrate evenly and hold tidy slices.
Overnight gives the deepest flavor, but you can bake it after a 30–60 minute chill if needed.
Use day-old bread, don’t oversaturate, and bake until the middle hits 175–185°F. Tent with foil if the top browns before the center sets.
Use a rich non-dairy creamer or full-fat coconut milk; the flavor shifts slightly but the texture stays lush.
You May Also Like: Try my Quick French Toast Bake for a no-overnight option, the classic Best French Toast for stovetop mornings, or my family favorite Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole for savory brunch lovers.
Christmas Morning Orange French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 10 thick slices of day-old white or challah bread (14-16 oz)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- ⅓ whipping cream
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a 9x13x2 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Crack eggs into a large bowl and lightly beat with a whisk. Whisk in orange juice, cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt.
- Dip slices of bread in egg mixture one at a time, then arrange in overlapping, semi-standing-up layers in baking dish (as pictured). Drizzle with melted butter.
- Cover and let stand 10 minutes (or refrigerate 8–12 hours). Bake: 35–45 min from fridge-cold (or 30–35 minutes if room-temp).It's done when puffed and the center reads 175–185°F on an instant-read thermometer. Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- OVERNIGHT VERSION: cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Turn oven on to 375ºF and remove dish from fridge while oven preheats. Bake for about 35 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- If you’re questioning doneness, internal temperature should reach 160ºF.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This looks so good and I know my kids will love it on Christmas morning! Thank you
My favorite French toast recipe ever!