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5 from 6 votes

Baked French Toast Casserole

This baked French toast casserole is an easy, make-ahead breakfast with cinnamon, praline topping, and rich flavor. Perfect for brunch!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked french toast casserole
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 484kcal

Ingredients

Bread Layer

  • 1 loaf French bread
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 cup 2 sticks real butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Maple Syrup for serving

Instructions

  • Slice French bread into 1-inch each slice.
  • Lay slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish, overlapping the slices. (like the picture above)
  • In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together well until blended.
  • Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread slices until it is all covered.
  • At this point, you will cover with foil and chill overnight in the refrigerator – OR move on to the next directions.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Make the Praline Topping but combining all of the ingredients into a bowl and mixing with a fork.
  • Spoon the Praline Topping evenly over the bread
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and the bread has “puffed up”
  • Allow to sit for 10 minutes and serve topped with maple syrup.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread: It absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
Don’t skip the chill time (if possible): Overnight soaking gives the best texture and flavor.
Cover evenly with custard: Make sure every piece of bread gets coated.
Let it rest after baking: This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice.

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 181mg | Sodium: 434mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 834IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 2mg