Our final tip for this holiday is to plan ahead to make brunch extra special for your family on the big day. We are sharing two of our favorite make-ahead brunch recipes in hopes it will allow you to really relax and enjoy the moment. Just think how good you will feel, waking up that day, knowing that the work is already done and all you have to do is kick back and watch your family go crazy with happiness!

Kristen’s Favorite French Toast Bake

1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
1 cup brown sugar
1 loaf of thickly sliced bread (if you want to make it extra special, buy Challah bread)
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
Cinnamon for sprinkling

1. Melt butter in the microwave and add brown sugar. Stir until mixed.
2. Pour butter and sugar mixture into bottom of 9X13 pan and spread around.
3. Beat eggs, milk and vanilla.
4. Lay single slices of bread in a pan.
5. Spoon 1/2 of egg mixture on bread layer.
6. Sprinkle some cinnamon over bread/eggs.
7. Add 2nd layer of sliced bread.
8. Spoon on remaining egg mixture.
9. Cover and chill in fridge overnight.
10. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes (covered for the first 30 minutes).
11. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
12. Serve with warm maple syrup.

Our favorite breakfast casserole is similar to one we found on The Recipe Critic’s website. Click here to see the recipe for “The Best Breakfast Casserole”. We like to substitute the sausage with cooked bacon (we are bacon lovers in our family)!