The holidays bring a sense of warmth and togetherness, especially during Christmas time. For many, myself included, it’s a time to gather with family, indulge in delightful meals, and create lasting memories. One cherished tradition in my household is having our Christmas brunch, filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food. I love preparing my all-time favorite recipes, with the star being the mouthwatering Maple Pecan Brioche French Toast Casserole.

The ambiance during Christmas is always magical, but there’s something extra special about the morning of Christmas Eve. The excitement in the air is palpable as we prepare for our cherished brunch. The kitchen becomes the heart of the home, alive with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of sizzling pans.

The Maple Pecan Brioche French Toast Casserole always gets the house buzzing with anticipation. Its preparation begins the night before, as the brioche bread soaks in a luscious custard mixture infused with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The anticipation builds as the flavors meld together, promising a decadent morning treat.

The morning as the casserole bakes to golden perfection, the tantalizing scent fills the air, drawing everyone closer to the table. Each step in the recipe becomes a moment of shared joy, whether it’s dipping the bread slices into the custard or sprinkling pecans over the top. My grandkids love this part because they get to be a part of something delicious and can guarantee it is in the oven.

Bringing my family together over a beautifully set table adorned with festive decorations is one of the highlights of the season. The joy on their faces as they gather around to share stories and laughter while relishing the aroma of freshly baked goods is truly priceless.

The Maple Pecan Brioche French Toast Casserole emerges from the oven, exuding warmth and comfort. Topped with a drizzle of homemade maple glaze and extra pecans, it becomes the centerpiece of our brunch spread. The first bite is a symphony of flavors—buttery brioche, the subtle sweetness of maple, and the crunch of pecans—all perfectly harmonized in every mouthful.

As we savor each bite, we reminisce about past holidays and eagerly anticipate the festivities yet to come. The joy of being surrounded by loved ones and savoring these culinary delights creates memories that will be cherished for years to come.

In the end, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the tradition, the love, and the shared moments that make Christmas brunch with my family an unforgettable experience. And as we close this year’s celebration, my heart is full, knowing that these moments will forever be woven into the fabric of our family’s holiday traditions. I hope you will enjoy this recipe and remember to always Set the Table with Love. Happy Holidays.

Maple Pecan Brioche French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old brioche bread
• 6 whole eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp maple syrup (plus more for serving)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup pecan pieces

Directions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Dip bread slices in the custard mixture, then arrange in the dish. Pour remaining custard over slices, sprinkle with pecans, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 30-40 min until golden. Drizzle with maple glaze and extra pecans. Serve with berries if desired.

Maple Glaze:
Ingredients:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tbsp 2% milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Directions:
Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over casserole before serving.”