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Last Updated on November 12, 2024 by Tracy
You are going to love this Tangerine French Toast Casserole recipe, its perfect for brunch or holiday mornings. This easy-to-make dish combines the refreshing citrus flavor of tangerines with the comforting warmth of classic French toast. Serve with tangerine-infused maple syrup for a breakfast that’s sure to impress.
This recipe was originally created for Noble Citrus and is featured on Florida Milk.
If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast dish that will wow your family and friends, look no further than my Tangerine French Toast Casserole. As an added bonus, it’s easy to make! OH, it’s an overnight breakfast casserole, making morning time easy-peasy as all you have to do is pop this beauty in the oven and before you know it, breakfast will be ready! Since this is an overnight bake, it’s perfect for holiday mornings, that way you don’t have to be in stuck in the kitchen while everyone is enjoying the magic of the morning! Or brunch, who doesn’t love a good brunch recipe?!
This recipe combines the traditional comfort of French toast with a refreshing citrus twist. The vibrant tangerine flavors meld beautifully with the warm spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and unique.
Here are some tips to make sure your French Toast Casserole is the best ever!
- For best results, use a slightly stale loaf of bread. This helps the bread absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Brioche, challah, or a rustic French loaf are excellent choices.
- When zesting the tangerines, be careful to only remove the orange part of the peel. The white pith underneath can be bitter.
- Allowing the bread to soak overnight is key to achieving a custardy texture. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator will work.
- Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the flavor profile. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts for added texture.
Why we love this Tangerine French Toast Casserole
This Tangerine French Toast Casserole will soon be your family’s favorite because it blends the comforting familiarity of classic French toast with the bright, sunny flavor of tangerines. The addition of tangerine zest and juice in the sweet maple syrup amps up all the flavors of this amazing brunch recipe! Plus, like I mentioned, it’s easy to make and you can make it the night before. SCORE!
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
- Florida Milk: A classic accompaniment that balances the sweetness of the casserole.
- Mistletoe Mimosas: Click here for the recipe. These festive cocktails add a celebratory touch to your meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that adds color and variety to your table.
- Bacon or Sausage: For a savory contrast, serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links. You can never go wrong with some extra yummy protein.
Why tangerines?
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 any meal.
Can we also talk about how cute that tangerine is? Perfect addition to your dining table! All I did was peel the tangerine three-quarters of the way then pushed some fresh rosemary in the center. Too cute.
Alright, let’s make our Overnight Tangerine French Toast Casserole, shall we? Don’t forget to PIN IT so that you can make it again and again!
Tangerine French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons finely grated 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
- Powdered sugar for garnish if desired
Tangerine Infused Maple Syrup
- 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
Instructions
- Spray your favorite casserole dish or 9×13 baking dish with olive oil spray. Add the bread cubes to the dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and tangerine zest. Whisk well.
- Evenly pour the mixture over the bread. Use a spatula or spoon to push the bread down.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit while the oven is heating.
- Bake covered for 30-45 minutes until casserole is set.
- Uncover and bake for another 5 – 10 minutes.
Tangerine Infused Maple Syrup
- 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.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, top with the tangerine segments from the maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle on the tangerine-infused maple syrup.
- Serve with Florida Milk and/or Mistletoe Mimosas
Nutrition
Looking for more ways to use tangerines in easy recipes to celebrate the holidays?
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