If you’re searching for a make-ahead breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of crunchy, custardy, and sweet—all baked into one cozy dish. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want a comforting breakfast for the family, this casserole will quickly become your new go-to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning—total lifesaver!
- Perfect Texture: The pecan topping adds a delightful crunch while the inside stays soft and custardy.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand, making it easy and approachable for any cook.
- Family Approved: My crew goes wild for this, and I bet your family will too—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. The pecans add nuttiness, and I love using a sturdy bread like sourdough or challah—they soak up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- French loaf, sourdough, ciabatta, or challah: Choose a good-quality, day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb the custard perfectly without getting soggy.
- Chopped pecans: Toast these lightly if you want to boost their nutty flavor before layering.
- Large eggs: They create the rich custard base that binds everything together.
- Whole milk: Gives the custard a creamy texture—feel free to substitute cream for an even richer taste.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten without overpowering.
- Orange zest (optional): Adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic French toast warmth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Used in the topping for that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds depth with its molasses notes to the topping.
- Dried cranberries: Perfect for a tart contrast when sprinkled on top.
- Powdered sugar: For a light dusting that makes it look as good as it tastes.
- Maple syrup: The classic finishing touch everyone loves.
Variations
I love that this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe is so adaptable. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to suit different occasions and tastes—you can easily make it your own!
- Fruit Swap: Instead of dried cranberries, try fresh berries or chopped apples—my family adores the burst of freshness with every bite.
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread, just be sure it’s sturdy enough to soak without falling apart.
- Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a slightly exotic flavor I discovered during holiday brunches.
How to Make French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Baking Dish
Start by slicing your bread into 1-inch slices and then cubing those slices into roughly 1-inch chunks. I sometimes tear the bread by hand for a rustic look, especially if I’m in a hurry. Grease a 2-quart baking dish if you like thick, hearty slices or a 3-quart one for thinner layers. Layer the bread chunks evenly, sprinkling chopped pecans between layers. This little dance creates pockets of crunch throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture and Pour
In a small bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, sugar, orange zest if using, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. A trick I learned is to pour this mixture into a measuring cup with a spout—makes distributing it evenly over the bread so much easier. Pour slowly to ensure every piece gets soaked without shifting your layers.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Butter Topping
Mix melted butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Drizzle this over the bread and pecan layers—this topping is where the magic happens. It bakes into a crispy, caramelized crust that I absolutely adore.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!
Bake your casserole uncovered for about 35 to 45 minutes. I usually check mine around the 38-minute mark when the top starts to turn golden and crunchy. If you like it extra crispy, feel free to leave it in a bit longer. After baking, give it about 10 minutes to cool slightly—it helps the custard set so it slices beautifully. Sprinkle dried cranberries and powdered sugar before serving, and don’t forget that drizzle of maple syrup!
Pro Tips for Making French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
- Bread Choice Matters: I found that stale or day-old bread holds up better and soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
- Layering Pecans: Don’t just sprinkle pecans on the top; layering them throughout ensures every bite has that delightful crunch.
- Pour Slowly: Pour the custard mixture gently over the bread to prevent dislodging the layering you worked on.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it firm up, making for cleaner slices and better eating experience.
How to Serve French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love finishing this French Toast Casserole with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of tartness and color. A drizzle of pure maple syrup is a must for me, giving that perfect touch of sweetness that everyone appreciates.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with crisp bacon or some breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit on the side, like sliced strawberries or a bowl of berries, adds a refreshing contrast. For a brunch spread, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works surprisingly well too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to assemble this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Adding a sprig of fresh mint and extra pecans on top makes it look brunch-worthy and inviting. It’s also fun to serve it alongside little jars of different syrups and toppings so guests can customize their own slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. This casserole reheats beautifully and holds its texture well if stored properly for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing portions of this casserole with good results. I recommend freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, so you can thaw and reheat just what you need. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture retention.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices into a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps back up. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a little softer. The key is to avoid overcooking which dries it out.
FAQs
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Can I make French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, prepping it the night before and refrigerating allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, resulting in an even more flavorful and tender casserole. Just cover it well, then bake fresh in the morning.
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What type of bread works best?
I recommend using a sturdy bread like sourdough, challah, ciabatta, or a good-quality French loaf. Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without turning mushy.
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Can I substitute the pecans if I have a nut allergy?
Yes! You can swap pecans for toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or omit nuts altogether and sprinkle with extra dried fruit or coconut flakes for texture and flavor.
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How do I get the topping extra crunchy?
For a crunchier topping, bake the casserole uncovered and consider broiling for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning!
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Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap the whole milk for unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk, and replace the butter in the topping with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for a delicious dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. It’s straightforward, comforting, and feels a bit special without needing hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself on a slow weekend morning or feeding hungry guests, it’ll always impress. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy it!
Print
French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Toast Casserole combines a crunchy cinnamon-sugar top with a custardy center, making an easy and delicious make-ahead brunch dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it can be baked immediately or refrigerated overnight for convenience.
Ingredients
Bread and Nuts
- 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
Custard Mixture
- 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
Topping Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons (40g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch kosher salt
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Place an oven rack in the center position. Slice the bread into 1-inch slices and then cut the slices into 1-inch cubes or tear them apart by hand, leaving the crusts on.
- Layer Bread and Pecans: 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.
- Make Custard Mixture: 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.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over all the bread chunks in the baking dish. For ease, pour the mixture into a large measuring cup with a spout before pouring. At this stage, you can bake immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In another bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Add Topping and Bake: 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 a balanced browning or longer if you prefer a crunchier top.
- Cool and Garnish: 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.
Notes
- This casserole has a delightful crunchy cinnamon-sugar top with a custardy center, perfect for a comforting brunch.
- It can be prepared and baked immediately or refrigerated overnight for convenience and to allow flavors to meld.
- Use a 2-quart dish for thicker slices or a 3-quart dish for thinner ones depending on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 347 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 427 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 43 mg
