Maple Sausage French Toast Bake
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I can hardly believe it — Christmas is almost here! With the big day just around the corner, I’m turning my attention to one of the most important meals of the holiday: Christmas morning breakfast. This week, I’m focusing on cozy, comforting recipes that bring the family together around the table. First up is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a holiday tradition — Maple Sausage French Toast Bake.
It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and completely satisfying, making it an ideal centerpiece for your Christmas morning breakfast. The best part? You can prepare it the night before, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven on Christmas morning while you unwrap gifts or sip on hot cocoa. No rushing around the kitchen, just the comforting aroma of warm maple and sausage filling the air.
For the savory component, I love using maple-flavored breakfast sausage to emphasize the rich maple flavor throughout the dish. The sweet and smoky notes from the sausage pair beautifully with the warm custard. Don’t have maple sausage on hand? No problem! Regular breakfast sausage works just as well.
The magic all happens with the custard mixture. It’s a blend of eggs and milk with the added sweetness of brown sugar and pure maple syrup. The brown sugar adds a hint of caramelized depth, while the maple syrup infuses every bite with its warm, signature flavor. Together, they create a luxurious, custard-soaked bread base that bakes up soft on the inside and golden on the outside. Just like French toast — but better.
Ingredients for Maple Sausage French Toast Bake
- MAPLE BREAKFAST SAUSAGE
- FRENCH BREAD
- MILK
- LARGE EGGS
- SALT
- BROWN SUGAR
- MAPLE SYRUP
This Maple Sausage French Toast Bake is a guaranteed hit for Christmas morning, but don’t stop there. It’s also perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or cozy weekend breakfasts when you want something special. Stay tuned, because I’ll be sharing more festive breakfast ideas to help you make your holiday mornings as magical as possible.
Instructions for Maple Sausage French Toast Casserole
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat the inside of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Set the dish aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Prep the Bread: Cut or tear the French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. The bread will act as the base of the casserole, soaking up all the delicious custard mixture.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes into a large bowl. Toss the bread to ensure every piece is coated in the custard, letting it soak in the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the coated bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Add the cooked sausage on top, ensuring it’s distributed evenly across the bread layer. Then, spread the remaining bread mixture on top of the sausage to create a layered effect.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar evenly over the top layer of bread. Then, drizzle the remaining 4 tablespoons of maple syrup over the entire dish. This will give the top a sweet, caramelized finish once baked.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up all the custard, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful.
In the Morning
- Bake the Casserole: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover the baking dish. Bake for 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The bread should be slightly crispy on top but soft and fluffy on the inside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzled on top for the ultimate finishing touch. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cozy flavors that make this Maple Sausage French Toast Bake an instant holiday favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use maple sausage?
No, you can use any breakfast sausage you prefer. Regular, spicy, or even chicken or turkey sausage will work. If you’d like to maintain the maple taste, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to the custard mixture.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The bake is ready when the top is golden brown, and the custard is fully set. If you’re unsure, insert a knife in the center — if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, bake for 5-10 more minutes and check again.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy texture, use a heartier bread (like French bread or brioche) and let the bread soak for no more than 8-12 hours. Avoid over-soaking, as the bread can become too soft. Baking it uncovered helps it crisp up on top.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can switch up the protein! Try bacon, ham, or plant-based sausage crumbles for a meat-free option. Just cook and drain any meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
What can I serve with this French toast sausage casserole?
This dish is hearty, but it pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, a side of bacon, or scrambled eggs. For a festive holiday breakfast, serve it with non-alcoholic mimosas, hot cocoa, or fresh-squeezed orange juice.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Streusel Topped French Toast Bake
- Creme Brulee French Toast
- Crispy Orange French Toast
- French Toast Souffle
Maple Sausage French Toast Bake
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 lb maple breakfast sausage
- 1 loaf French bread
- 3 cups milk
- 8 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar divided
- 6 Tbsp maple syrup divided
Instructions
- Prep the Dish: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook Sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
- Make Custard: Whisk eggs, milk, salt, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp maple syrup in a bowl.
- Combine Bread & Custard: Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour custard over bread and toss to coat.
- Assemble: Layer half the bread mixture in the baking dish. Add cooked sausage. Top with remaining bread.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle 2 tbsp brown sugar and drizzle 4 tbsp maple syrup over the top.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Bake & Serve: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 60 min or until golden brown. Serve warm with extra syrup.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Real House Moms.
