Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 10 eggs
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Bread
- 2 loaves of brioche bread (sliced 1 inch thick, then halved into triangles)
Topping
- 1/2 jar Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter or grease a 9 x 13-inch pan and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Egg Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, orange zest, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Bread: If your brioche isn’t sliced, slice it into 1-inch thick pieces, then cut those slices in half diagonally to form triangles.
- Assemble the Bake: Arrange the brioche triangles in two layers evenly in the prepared pan. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture completely, resulting in a custardy texture.
- Preheat the Oven: After the overnight soak, remove the dish from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French Toast: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 40 minutes until the egg mixture is nearly set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Warm the Marmalade: While baking, heat the Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade in a small saucepan over low heat until warm but not boiling.
- Glaze the Bake: Remove the French toast bake from the oven and use a pastry brush to spread a thick, even layer of the warmed orange marmalade over the top.
- Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to set the glaze and meld flavors.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, citrus-infused French toast experience.
Notes
- For best results, use brioche bread as it absorbs the custard beautifully and yields a tender texture.
- Refrigerating overnight is essential to allow the bread to soak thoroughly for a custard-like consistency.
- You can substitute the orange marmalade with any citrus marmalade if preferred.
- If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can broil the baked French toast for 1-2 minutes after glazing, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American