Alright, it’s the Holiday season. Chances are you have hosted some family, or you’re planning on doing so soon. You absolutely have eggs in the house, maybe some oatmeal, not-the-freshest of bread, and milk.
What can you do? You can make the easiest and most perfect breakfast in the world, that’s what!
Please allow me to introduce you to oatmeal cinnamon streusel baked french toast.
You throw everything into a casserole, leave it in the fridge overnight, and throw that bad boy in the oven when you’re turning on your morning coffee.
1 hour later and your house smells like happiness, love, and streusel.
Happiness + Love = Cinnamon Streusel. It’s just basic math.
Follow me here.
Let’s just get right into it so you can prepare this for your hungry in-laws.
You will need:
1 loaf of day old bread, sliced into 1 inch slices or cubed- I used challah, but brioche or french would work fine. White bread would probably be fine as well.
4 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
zest of 1 orange
pinch of salt
For the streusel top:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
7 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts, I used walnuts but almonds or pistachios would be wonderful
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
4 oz. softened cream cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
pinch salt
1/4 cup real maple syrup
splash vanilla
Butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Lay the bread slices into the dish.
In a large bowl whisk the eggs, half and half, both sugars, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt. Pour this custard mixture over the bread so that all of the bread is soaked. Cover and put in the refrigerator overnight. (Seriously, that easy)
In the morning, preheat the oven to 350.
In a large bowl mix together all of the streusel ingredients and mix until clumps easily hold together when pressed in your hand.
Scatter the streusel over the top of the soaked bread, and bake for 45-55 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue to bake.
Combine the ingredients for the cream cheese maple glaze, pour over the warm baked casserole before serving, or serve alongside.
I cannot emphasize enough how easy this recipe is. It is the perfect recipe for serving a crowd, for busy holiday mornings, or to cook with young kids.
There really is no place like home for the holidays, and this just might be the reason why.