Looking for easy holiday brunch ideas? These two French toast recipes—white chocolate stuffed French toast and maple pecan cream cheese French toast casserole—are perfect for Christmas morning, Valentine’s brunch, and winter gatherings.

White Chocolate Stuffed French Toast with Strawberries

This stuffed French toast is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Melted white chocolate blended with cream cheese is sandwiched between slices of brioche, dipped in custard, and cooked until golden. Finished with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar, it’s elegant without being complicated.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche or challah, sliced thick

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Butter for the pan

• Fresh strawberries, sliced

• Powdered sugar, for topping

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with melted white chocolate until smooth and creamy.

2. Spread the mixture between two slices of bread to create a “sandwich.”

3. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.

4. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly butter.

5. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides.

6. Cook until golden brown and warmed through, about 3 minutes per side.

7. Serve warm, topped with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar.

✨ Tip: Add whipped cream or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an extra holiday touch.

Maple Pecan Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel

Perfect for holiday mornings when you want something comforting but easy, this casserole can be prepared ahead and baked fresh. Cream cheese melts into soft layers of bread, while maple syrup, pecans, and brown sugar streusel create a warm, irresistible finish.

Ingredients

Casserole

• 1 loaf brioche or challah, cubed

• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

• 4 large eggs

• 1½ cups milk or half-and-half

• ½ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup chopped pecans

Brown Sugar Streusel

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 4 tbsp cold butter, cubed

Instructions

1. Grease a baking dish and add bread cubes. Scatter cream cheese throughout.

2. Whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread and press gently.

3. Sprinkle pecans on top.

4. Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly and sprinkle over casserole.

5. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.

6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired and enjoy.

Holiday brunch doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. Choose one make-ahead dish, one freshly cooked favorite, and let the rest be simple—fresh fruit, good coffee, music playing softly in the background.

These recipes are about more than food. They’re about slowing down, gathering close, and creating moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.

Here’s to warm kitchens, full tables, and brunch made with love. 🤍