why make this recipe
Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish for any breakfast or brunch. This recipe allows you to prepare everything the night before, making mornings easier and stress-free. The combination of soft, custardy bread and a sweet praline topping creates an indulgent treat that is perfect for hosting guests or enjoying a cozy family breakfast. It’s a crowd-pleaser and brings a warm, inviting aroma to your kitchen.
how to make Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole
Ingredients :
- 1 loaf of bread (challah or French bread)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Directions :
- Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Cut the bread into cubes and place them in the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
- For the praline topping, combine pecans and maple syrup in a small saucepan and heat until bubbly. Pour over the baked casserole before serving.
how to serve Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole
Serve the Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole warm from the oven. You can add extra maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit on top for added flavor. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, festive brunches, or holiday breakfasts.
how to store Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
tips to make Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole
- Use day-old bread for better texture. Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture nicely and holds its shape during baking.
- Experiment with different types of bread, like brioche or sourdough, for a unique flavor.
- If you want a little more crunch, add more pecans to the topping or sprinkle some on top before baking.
variation
You can add in fruits like blueberries or sliced bananas to the bread for different flavors and textures. For a chocolate twist, try adding chocolate chips into the bread mixture.
FAQs
Can I freeze Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use almond milk or soy milk in place of regular milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the bread with a gluten-free bread option. Just check the ingredients in the dairy components to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf 1 loaf of bread (challah or French bread) Day-old bread works best for texture.
- 4 large 4 large eggs
- 2 cups 2 cups milk Can substitute with almond or soy milk for dairy-free.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free option.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 1 cup pecans, chopped Add more pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Cut the bread into cubes and place them in the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Cooking
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
- For the praline topping, combine pecans and maple syrup in a small saucepan and heat until bubbly.
- Pour the praline topping over the baked casserole before serving.