French Toast Casserole with Pecans: A Delightful Brunch Dish

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French Toast Casserole with pecans is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish, combining a crunchy cinnamon-sugar top with a custardy center. This easy French Toast Casserole recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it can be prepared the night before for a hassle-free brunch. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of baked French toast, ready to be served with maple syrup and fresh berries. Let’s dive into this delicious breakfast treat!

Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole with

This French Toast Casserole with pecans is not only delicious but also incredibly practical. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore this dish:

Perfect for brunch gatherings, it serves 8-10 people easily.
A make-ahead option lets you prepare it the night before, saving you time.
It combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and pecans for a delicious taste.
Customizable with ingredients like berries or cream cheese.
It’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe, appealing to a wide audience.
Easy to serve and clean up, making it a stress-free option.
This baked French toast dish can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that guarantees smiles at the breakfast table.

Ingredients for French Toast Casserole with

Gather these items:

1 large loaf good-quality French loaf, sourdough, ciabatta, or challah (enough to yield 10 cups of chunks of bread)
1/2 cup (45g) chopped pecans
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Zest from one medium orange (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons (40g) dark brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup

How to Make French Toast Casserole with Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place an oven rack in the center position. Slice the bread into 1-inch slices and cut them into 1-inch cubes or tear them apart by hand, leaving the crusts on.
Step 2: Lightly grease a 2-quart or 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Add enough bread cubes to cover the bottom and sprinkle a few tablespoons of pecans over them. Continue layering bread chunks and pecans until all are used.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, orange zest (if using), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over all the bread chunks in the baking dish. You can bake immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: In another bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Step 6: Drizzle the butter and sugar mixture evenly over the bread chunks. Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. Bake for about 38 minutes for balanced browning or longer for a crunchier top.
Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle dried cranberries and dust powdered sugar on top. Serve with maple syrup on the side.

French Toast Casserole with Pecans: A Delightful Brunch Dish - French Toast Casserole with - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole with

Keep these in mind:

This dish can be made a day in advance, which is perfect for brunch planning.
Adjust baking time based on desired crispiness; for a softer texture, bake for less time.
Add an extra layer of flavor with vanilla extract or nutmeg for a unique twist.
Using stale bread can enhance the texture, making it even more custardy.

Best Ways to Serve French Toast Casserole with

Here are some scrumptious serving ideas:

Top with fresh berries for a fruity twist.
Drizzle with warm maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.

How to Store and Reheat French Toast Casserole with

For leftovers, simply cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This make-ahead French Toast Casserole is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About French Toast Casserole with

What’s the secret to perfect French Toast Casserole with?

The key to a perfect French Toast Casserole with is using quality bread and allowing it to soak in the egg mixture long enough to absorb the flavors. Ensure you don’t rush the soaking process for that custardy texture!

Can I make French Toast Casserole with ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the French Toast Casserole with the night before and refrigerate it. This makes it an ideal overnight French Toast Casserole option for busy mornings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French Toast Casserole with?

Avoid using fresh bread as it may not soak up the custard well. Also, ensure you bake it until it’s just set to avoid a soggy bottom. Following the instructions closely will help create a fantastic baked French toast dish.

Variations of French Toast Casserole with You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations to consider:

French Toast Casserole with Berries for a fresh, fruity flavor.
Gluten-free French Toast Casserole Recipe by using gluten-free bread.
French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese for a rich and creamy texture.
Add nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for extra crunch.

French Toast Casserole with Pecans: A Delightful Brunch Dish - French Toast Casserole with - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Lemon Pecorino Crusted Chicken or Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss our Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread.