Easy Christmas Morning French Toast Bake

Everyone loves to try a new recipe on Christmas morning. I usually make an egg casserole but this year I thought I would switch it up a bit and try a French Toast bake. Most recipes that I found you have to make them well in advance so they sit overnight. This recipe can be made in the morning and it is a cinch. I think I will serve it with an option of powdered sugar as well as the tradition maple syrup. Only 2 more days Fashionistas!!!

Adapted from Dinnerthandessert

• 1 loaf French bread 
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small squares

Instructions

1. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, 1/2 and 1/2, sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, vanilla, 2 tablespoons cinnamon and nutmeg. 
3. Chop the bread into 1-inch cubes and put it in the bowl with the egg mixture and toss well until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. In a small bowl or a food processor add the flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt and mix. 
5. Cut in the butter with a fork or pulse in the food processor for 5-10 seconds or until the butter and brown sugar mixture is crumbly.
6. Pour the bread and egg mixture into the pan, cover evenly with the brown sugar-butter topping and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is crispy and the center cooked through.