My sister gave me this recipe years ago- we’ve been making it every Christmas morning since

This Easy French Toast Bake is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. It combines the comfort of classic French toast with the ease of a baked casserole. The buttery, brown sugar base creates a delicious caramel layer, while the custard-soaked bread becomes soft and flavorful. This recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd or for a special weekend treat.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of bread into thick pieces, about 1-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture in the baking dish. Depending on the size of your loaf and the dish, you might need to overlap the slices slightly or cut them to fit.
4. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all the bread is soaked.
5. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture and the flavors to meld together.
6. Bake the French Toast: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover from the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the French Toast Bake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and a dash of cinnamon for a finishing touch.