Overnight French Toast Casserole
Try this Overnight French Toast Casserole recipe
Try this Overnight French Toast Casserole recipe
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- non stick spray
- 7 large eggs
- 1 loaf french or italian bread or croissants, cut into 1 inch cubes, (for this recipe i used challah bread)
- 2 cups whole milk or 1 can of evaporated milk (reduced fat or soy will not give this casserole the necessary fat content it requi!res)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half and half) both whole milk and
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (could use sugar substitute if yo
- 1 tbsp of maple syrup (pure maple not imitation)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar or (use splenda blend. yo
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup or lyle's syrup (my preference)
- 2 cups pecans chopped coarse (or walnuts)
- Carbohydrate 2.15313500106755 g
- Cholesterol 267.504166683781 mg
- Fat 13.6190466731397 g
- Fiber 0.500983328486382 g
- Protein 7.70924666678695 g
- Saturated Fat 6.74587000409364 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (83g)
- Sodium 85.2305000010075 mg
- Sugar 1.65215167258117 g
- Trans Fat 1.53290516712632 g
- Calories 161 calories
Step-by-step
- Coat a 13 by 9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until combined and then whisk in the milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, if using.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and press on the bread lightly to submerge fully.
- Mix in the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together until smooth, then fold in the pecans or walnuts.
- Place the topping in a separate bowl covered tightly and refrigerate both the topping and the covered casserole overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Uncover casserole and sprinkle praline topping evenly over the top of the bread casserole, breaking apart any large pieces.
- Place the casserole on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove from oven (IT WILL DEFLATE AS IT COOLS DOWN).
- SPRINKLE CONFECTIONERS SUGAR IF DESIRED.
- Serve warm. Syrup may be used but may not be necessary as this is sweet enough, it will be at your discretion.
My Weekend Delight: Overnight French Toast Casserole
Weekends are for lingering breakfasts, aren't they? The kind where you don't have to rush, where the aroma of something delicious slowly wakes the house, and where everyone gathers around the table, savoring each bite. That's the magic of this Overnight French Toast Casserole. It's the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence – prepare it the night before, and wake up to a breakfast that's ready to bake. No more frantic morning scrambles; just a warm, comforting breakfast waiting to be enjoyed.
I discovered this recipe a few months ago, and it's quickly become a staple in my home. The beauty lies in its simplicity. You layer cubed bread in a casserole dish, soak it in a rich custard mixture, top it with a delightful praline topping, and then – the best part – you let it sit overnight. The flavors meld, the bread becomes perfectly custardy, and the whole thing transforms into a symphony of sweet and comforting tastes. It's the kind of breakfast that makes you feel truly nourished and happy, a perfect start to any weekend.
The ingredients are basic, readily available, and honestly, you can adapt them to your preferences. I love using challah bread for its soft texture and slightly sweet taste, but French bread or croissants would work equally well. For the topping, I prefer pecans, but walnuts add a nice alternative crunch. The custard base is rich and creamy, and while I stick to whole milk and heavy cream for the best results, you can experiment with different milk options. Remember, the key is to let it sit for at least eight hours – longer is even better – to allow those flavors to fully develop.
This casserole isn't just for lazy weekend mornings; it's also fantastic for brunch parties or holiday gatherings. It's impressive yet surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect choice when you want to treat your loved ones (or yourself) to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The warm, comforting aroma alone is enough to entice everyone to the table. And don't even get me started on the taste; it's simply irresistible. The perfectly soaked bread, the sweet and crunchy topping, the subtle hint of cinnamon… it's an explosion of flavors in every bite. It's the kind of breakfast that brings people together, creating memories around the table.
So, if you're looking for a breakfast that's both delicious and easy, give this Overnight French Toast Casserole a try. It’s a recipe that truly lives up to its name – overnight preparation for a morning delight. The ease of preparation allows you to enjoy a delightful breakfast without the morning rush. This is more than just breakfast; it’s an experience that sets the tone for a wonderful day.
Tips and Variations:
- Bread Choice: Experiment with different types of bread – brioche, Texas toast, even day-old bread works well!
- Nut Variations: Swap pecans or walnuts for other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make it Ahead: The beauty of this recipe lies in its make-ahead nature. Prepare it the night before and enjoy a stress-free morning.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
This recipe is more than just a breakfast; it's a testament to the simple joys of life. It's a moment of pause, a time for connection, and a delicious start to any day. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
