French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels both indulgent and effortless, you’re absolutely going to adore this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with the smell of cinnamon, brown sugar, and toasted nuts, promising a warm, satisfying meal right when you need it most. I’ll take you through every step so that you can serve up a golden, custardy delight that’s got my family asking for seconds every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe relies on simple, classic ingredients you probably already have, but choosing a great bread and fresh pecans really lifts it up. Here’s a quick tip: use a sturdy bread like sourdough or challah so the custard soaks in without turning to mush.

• French loaf, sourdough, ciabatta, or challah: Pick slightly stale bread if you can – it soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
• Chopped pecans: Freshly toasted pecans add the best crunch and flavor.
• Eggs: The base that turns this casserole into a rich custard.
• Whole milk: Gives the custard a luscious texture; you can swap half and half for even richer flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the spices.
• Orange zest (optional): I love this addition because it brightens up the warm cinnamon notes and makes the casserole smell incredible.
• Ground cinnamon: A must-have spice here – gives that classic French toast warmth.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with brown sugar for the irresistible topping.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the topping.
• Dried cranberries: I sprinkle these on top because they add a lovely tart contrast.
• Powdered sugar: For a pretty finishing touch that’s pure old-school brunch charm.
• Maple syrup: Absolutely essential at the table – the perfect drizzle to cozy everything together.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. This French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe is a great base for all sorts of fun twists, so don’t be shy about personalization!

• Nut swaps: I’ve tried walnuts and pecans interchangeably – both add a lovely texture, but pecans feel a bit sweeter to me.
• Fruit mix-ins: Fresh berries or sliced apples can replace dried cranberries depending on what you like or have on hand.
• Dairy alternatives: Using almond or oat milk works fine if you want to lighten it up or accommodate dietary needs.
• Spiced variations: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Pecan Layers

Start by slicing your bread into 1-inch cubes—don’t stress about being perfectly uniform; tearing it by hand works too, and gives a rustic vibe. I like leaving the crusts on because they get wonderfully crispy and add texture. Grease your baking dish well — I use a 3-quart dish for a thinner bake, but a 2-quart works if you prefer it thicker. Layer half the bread cubes, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pecans, then add the rest of the bread and top with the remaining pecans.

Step 2: Whisk and Pour Your Custard

Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, orange zest (if using), cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined. I find it easiest to pour this mixture over the bread in a large measuring cup with a spout — it helps you control the pour and saturate all the chunks evenly. Pour the custard slowly over the layered bread and pecans so each piece soaks up that custardy goodness. You can bake it straight away or cover and refrigerate overnight, which honestly amps up the flavor and texture.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Pecan Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle this evenly across the top of the casserole right before baking. This step is key — it gives the French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe its signature crispy, caramelized topping.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 to 45 minutes. I usually check around 38 minutes — if you want your topping crunchier, leave it a bit longer but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. The edges should be bubbling and golden, and the middle set but still tender and custardy. Let it cool for 10 minutes or so before serving to let everything settle.

How to Serve French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle dried cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar over the top just before serving — it adds a bit of tartness and looks absolutely charming. A generous drizzle of real maple syrup at the table is a must for me (and my kids!). Sometimes, I’ll add a few fresh orange slices on the side for a fresh pop and to highlight the orange zest in the recipe.

Side Dishes

When I serve this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe, I like to pair it with crispy breakfast sausage or a fresh fruit salad to keep things light and vibrant. Whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side also makes a wonderful creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special brunches, I’ve tried baking the casserole in mini ramekins for individual servings — it’s such a hit! Another fun idea is to scatter toasted pecans and cranberries on a large tray, then drizzle the maple syrup artistically for a visually stunning table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My family always has leftovers, thankfully! I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps surprisingly well, especially if you cover it tightly to prevent the topping from going soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this casserole with great success. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, letting the top crisp up nicely again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect, but if you must, microwave in short bursts and then finish with a quick oven toast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe has become my go-to for weekends when I want something that feels special but isn’t a hassle to make. The combination of the crunchy top, the soft custardy inside, and that hint of citrus is unforgettable. I hope you love making and sharing this as much as I do—it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary mornings into something cozy and memorable. Go ahead, try it out; I promise it’s worth every delicious bite.

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