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Easy Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Praline Topping for Perfect Breakfast

Easy Make-Ahead Overnight French Toast Casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy make-ahead French toast casserole soaked overnight and topped with a crunchy praline topping, perfect for busy mornings or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed thick-cut brioche or challah bread (day-old works best)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer custard)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for custard and topping)
  • Praline Topping:
  • ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups of thick-cut brioche or challah bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread on a baking sheet and let dry out for a few hours or overnight.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and pale.
  3. Gently fold the cubed bread into the custard, ensuring every cube is coated. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  4. Pour the soaked bread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly and pressing down lightly.
  5. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup chopped toasted pecans, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until crumbly but sticky.
  6. Sprinkle the praline mixture evenly over the bread. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
  8. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

If topping browns too fast, tent foil over casserole halfway through baking. For better soaking, cube bread smaller or dry longer before soaking. Toast pecans for deeper flavor. Melt butter before mixing topping for crispness. Rest casserole after baking for easier slicing. Can soak 3-4 hours if short on time but texture differs.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, overnight breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, praline topping, easy brunch recipe, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://evabake.com/easy-make-ahead-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe-with-praline-topping-for-perfect-breakfast/