Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole

$- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - A pinch of salt Using challah or brioche gives this dish a soft texture. If you can't find these, any soft bread will work. You can also swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free version, try almond milk or coconut milk. Maple syrup is key for that sweet flavor, but honey can be an alternative if needed. Quality ingredients make a big difference in this casserole. Fresh eggs and real maple syrup enhance the taste. Whole milk and heavy cream add creaminess. When you use good pecans, you get a nice crunch that completes the dish. Always choose the best you can find. It helps create a truly delightful meal for everyone. Start with your loaf of challah or brioche bread. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. This size is key. It helps the bread soak up the egg mix. Spread the cubes evenly in a large casserole dish. Make sure they are not too crowded. This way, each piece gets a good soak. In a big mixing bowl, crack six large eggs. Add two cups of whole milk and one cup of heavy cream. Pour in half a cup of pure maple syrup. Then, add one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Finally, add a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it looks frothy and well mixed. This mix is what makes the casserole rich and creamy. Now it’s time to put everything together. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Do this slowly so every piece gets coated. Gently press down on the bread cubes with your hands. This helps them soak up the egg mix. Next, sprinkle one cup of coarsely chopped pecans and a quarter cup of packed brown sugar on top. This creates a crunchy layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least four hours, or overnight if you can. This step is very important! It lets the bread soak up all that yummy flavor. To make your Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole really shine, use fresh ingredients. Choose a high-quality maple syrup. It adds a deep, rich flavor. I also recommend using challah or brioche bread. Their soft, airy texture absorbs the egg mixture well. For a boost of flavor, use fresh ground spices. Ground nutmeg and cinnamon make a big difference. Let the casserole chill overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully. The longer it sits, the richer the taste becomes. Before baking, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar on top. This creates a sweet, crunchy crust that everyone loves. Serving this casserole can be fun and creative! Cut it into squares for easy serving. I love to drizzle extra maple syrup over each slice. It adds a nice touch of sweetness. You can also garnish with chopped pecans. They add a lovely crunch. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, bring color and freshness. Serve with whipped cream for a decadent treat. For a cozy vibe, pair it with hot coffee or tea. It makes a perfect weekend brunch dish. Feel free to share it with family and friends. One common mistake is not letting the casserole chill long enough. If you skip this step, the bread won't soak up enough egg mixture. It can turn out dry. Another mistake is not using enough egg mixture. Every bread cube should be well-coated. This ensures a custardy texture. Also, avoid opening the oven too soon. This can cause the casserole to sink. Check it near the end of baking. Look for a golden-brown top and a firm center. Lastly, ensure your oven is preheated. If it’s not hot enough, the casserole can bake unevenly. Following these tips will help you make a perfect Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole every time! {{image_4}} You can make this casserole nut-free easily. Just skip the pecans in the recipe. Instead, you can use crushed graham crackers or a mix of seeds for crunch. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds add a nice texture. You still get a great taste without the nuts. Adding fresh fruits or berries can make your casserole even better. You can mix in sliced bananas, apples, or berries like blueberries and strawberries. Just layer them between the bread cubes. This adds sweetness and some color to the dish. It also gives you more vitamins and minerals. The type of bread you choose matters a lot. While challah and brioche are great, you can try other options too. French bread or sourdough works well too. Each type of bread gives a unique flavor and texture. Just make sure it is sturdy enough to soak up the egg mixture. This way, your casserole turns out delicious and fluffy. After enjoying your Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole, you may have leftovers. To store them, let the casserole cool down completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure it is heated all the way through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating. Heat individual portions for about one to two minutes. Just make sure it is warm before serving. Yes, you can freeze the casserole! After it cools, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they can last for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed. Yes, you can! Making this casserole ahead is a great idea. You can prep it the night before. After you mix the bread and egg mixture, cover it tightly. Let it chill in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors. When you are ready, just bake it the next day. It saves time and makes breakfast easier! The casserole is done when the top is golden brown. You can also check the center. It should feel set and firm. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. If it is still wet, give it a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking. Yes, you can use other syrups if you like. Honey or agave syrup are good options. They will change the flavor a bit but still taste great. You can also try flavored syrups, like maple-pecan or vanilla. Just know that the taste will vary. Use what you enjoy most! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole. We discussed the ingredients, their quality, and smart substitutions. I shared steps for preparation, mixing, and assembly. Tips for flavor and common baking mistakes were also included. We explored fun variations and how to store your leftovers. In short, take these ideas to create your own version. Enjoy your cooking!$

Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole

Indulge in a delicious Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole that's perfect for brunch or family gatherings! This easy recipe combines challah or brioche bread with a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and maple syrup, all topped with crunchy pecans and brown sugar. Discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests and make mornings special.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

A pinch of salt

Instructions

Prep the Bread: Start by cutting your challah or brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. This size is important, as it helps achieve a fluffy and custardy texture after baking.

Make the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined and slightly frothy.

Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the bread cubes into a large casserole dish, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slowly and evenly, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Gently press down on the bread cubes to aid in soaking up the custard mixture.

Add the Crunchy Topping: Evenly sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans and packed brown sugar over the top of the bread and egg mixture. This will create a deliciously crunchy and sweet topping once baked.

Chill the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a richer flavor.

Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.

Bake the Casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and take off the plastic wrap. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown color and the center feels set.

Finish and Serve: Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm, and for an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle additional maple syrup over each serving as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including chilling) | Servings: 8

- Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the casserole on individual plates, garnished with a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for an enticing look. Consider pairing with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.