Name: French Toast Casserole with Maple Pralines
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: For the Casserole; One 16-ounce loaf Italian, French or other rustic-type bread (not a round loaf); 8 large eggs; 2 cups half and half; 1 cup whole milk; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; For the Garnish; Confectioners’ sugar; Simple Chocolate Espresso Whipped Cream (optional)

Sweets

French Toast Casserole with Maple Pralines

Author: Mary DiSomma

There’s something about French toast that just feels special. It’s warm, comforting, and a little indulgent—everything a good breakfastshouldbe. I originally created this recipe for the holiday season—because who doesn’t love to indulge a little bit around the holidays? The best thing about a French toast casserole, though, is that you won’t spend all morning with a spatula in your hand! Time to take it up a notch with my baked French toast casserole recipe, topped with a rich maple praline crunch. Yummm.

Ingredient Tips

If you’ve been cooking with me for a while, you know I love me some really good bread. Choosing the right bread makes all the difference for homemade French toast. When you’re making a baked version, you need a hardy bread that will hold up to an overnight soak.

For this recipe, you want a loaf of bread that is long, not round. However, keep in mind that a baguette will most likely be a little too narrow. If you use French bread, look for a batard, which is a bit wider than a baguette. You want a loaf that will give you about 20 fairly even slices. Whatever you choose, make each slice about an inch thick, so they absorb all that delicious flavor while still holding their shape.

Preparation + Preservation Tips

If you want to prep even further in advance, this casserole freezes beautifully as well. Here’s how to freeze your French toast casserole:

Step 1: Assembling and Freezing Your Casserole

Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t add the praline topping. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. If you’re making this for a big brunch, consider freezing a second casserole to have on hand!

Step 2: Baking Your Casserole

When you’re ready to bake it, thaw your casserole overnight in the fridge. After it’s thawed out and your oven is preheated, add the maple praline topping and bake as directed.

This dish is rich and sweet, so I love pairing it with fresh, bright flavors and a little something savory to balance it out. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast, and who doesn’t like whipped cream? I recommend both. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage adds a savory note to balance out the sweetness. If you want to go all-out and make a truly decadent brunch, make sure to check out the recipes below!

Scrambled Eggs with Zucchini➝

Summer Squash Shakshuka Eggs➝

Extra Tips

Mary’s Favorite New Orleans Beignets➝

Dutch Baby with Blueberries, Lemon Curd, or Apple Pear Compote➝