Autumn Honey French Toast Casserole Recipe

Christmas morning is meant to be filled with excitement and activities, such as opening presents and spending time with family and friends. Having a make-ahead breakfast means less time spent in the kitchen cooking and more time enjoying the festivities.

That’s why I am sharing this easy and flavorful Make Ahead Tangerine French Toast recipe with you all! By preparing breakfast in advance, you reduce the stress! Know what else reduces stress…try one of these amazing mimosas 😉

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh tangerine zest (from about 2 Autumn Honey tangerines)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups whole Florida Milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed tangerine juice – approx juice from 1 (one) Autumn Honey tangerine
• 1 Autumn Honey tangerine, peeled and divided into segments
• Powdered sugar, for garnish if desired

Instructions

1. Spray your favorite casserole dish or 9×13 baking dish with olive oil spray. Add the bread cubes to the dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and tangerine zest. Whisk well.
3. Evenly pour the mixture over the bread. Use a spatula or spoon to push the bread down.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
5. When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F
6. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit while the oven is heating.
7. Bake covered for 30-45 minutes until the casserole is set.
8. Uncover and bake for another 5 – 10 minutes.
9. While the casserole is baking uncovered, prepare the syrup. Combine the maple syrup, juice from one tangerine juice, and tangerine segments in a medium saucepan.
10. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
11. Remove the casserole from the oven, top with the tangerine segments from the maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar.
12. Drizzle on the tangerine-infused maple syrup.
13. Serve with Florida Milk and/or Mistletoe Mimosas

Tangerines add a unique citrusy and refreshing flavor to the traditional French toast casserole. Since Autumn Honey tangerines are in season during the winter months, they are the breakfast choice for your Christmas or holiday-themed breakfast. The bright and vibrant flavor of tangerines adds a festive and fresh touch to the meal.

We love using Florida Milk in this recipe (and all the yummy dairy recipes!) because not only are we supporting other local farmers, but we know the milk is fresh. Did you know that once Florida milk leaves the dairy farm, it’s at your local grocer within 48 hours? Yes! Learn more about where milk comes from and how it gets to you. *Tip, when you look at your gallon of milk and look at the expiration date, look at the other little numbers….make sure they start with a 12….that means it’s Florida Milk!

Looking for some easy recipes to celebrate the holidays?

Charcuterie Wreath with Autumn Honey Jam

Tangerine Caprese Wreath
Spicy Tangerine Hummus