Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole

This overnight Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole recipe features a buttery brown sugar praline topping that takes it to another level. It’s a delicious option for the holidays and special weekend brunch gatherings. The make ahead preparation makes it ideal for busy mornings.

Ingredients to Make Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole Recipe

When it comes to entertaining, holidays and easy weekend brunching there’s nothing better than a casserole you can assemble in advance. Whether your pleasure is an overnight eggs benedict casserole, an Italian sausage strata or a sweet overnight cinnamon roll casserole, they’re filling and they take the stress out of morning dining.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Baked French Toast Casserole: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Bread – Challah bread, is a rich egg based bread that adds another layer of flavor to this indulgent french toast casserole. That being said, I’ve also made this with brioche and French bread from time to time. You’ll need brioche, challah or French bread cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs are imperative for making french toast to bring the rich egg custard.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar (white sugar) not powdered sugar, is best for sweetening the egg mixture.
• Liquid – Heavy cream and whole milk add a creaminess to the sauce.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract expands the flavor adding creamy floral notes.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon, salt and nutmeg for a hint of spice.
• Praline Pecan Topping – Chopped pecans, butter, corn syrup, light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. The praline topping adds texture and flavor.

How to Make the BEST Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole

• Dry Out Bread – Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking pan and allow to sit out uncovered to dry out.
• Make the Egg Custard – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg until fully combined.
• Assemble in the Prepared Dish – Arrange dried bread cubes in a 13-inch casserole dish.
• Make the Egg Mixture – Pour mixture evenly over cubed bread, pressing into the egg custard.
• Praline Pecan Topping – Stir together butter, light brown sugar, corn syrup and cinnamon with the chopped pecans. Sprinkle evenly on top.
• Refrigerate – Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
• Oven – Uncover and bake casserole per the cook time in the recipe until puffed and the top is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes.
• Serve – Slice and serve as is, or dusted with powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Kitchen Equipment for Making Southern French Toast Casserole

• One large bowl and medium bowl.
• Large whisk for making the egg mixture,
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• One 13×9-inch casserole dish.
• Large sheet pan to dry out the cubed bread.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Nuts- You can make this recipe using chopped walnuts in place of pecans.
• Bread – You can make this with challah, brioche bread, sourdough bread or Italian bread.
• Cream Cheese – You sprinkle the bread with 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese prior to adding the egg custard.
• Dry Bread – The secret to the best french toast casserole is dry bread. You can either cube the bread and leave it out on the counter for several hours or, you can toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it further.
• Fully Blend the Ingredients – Make sure you fully combine the custard ingredients before pouring onto the bread. Remember dry bread is your friend and is best suited to soak in all of that custard goodness.
• Allow Chill Time for the Bread to Absorb the Sauce – While it’s ideal to soak this casserole overnight, it can be made in less time as long as the bread has absorbed all of the custard. Whether that takes 6, 8 or 12 hours.
• Serving Suggestions – The topping for this french toast is sweet and buttery. Due to this, it can be served making it possible to serve it as is, or with a light dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of maple syrup is optional and completely up to your personal taste.
• What To Serve with French Toast Casserole – You can serve this overnight french toast casserole as a weekend brunch treat simply on its own with a side of Southern Fried Apples or a side of fresh berries. During the holidays like Christmas morning or Easter brunch serve it along with savory dishes like Bacon Spinach Quiche or Breakfast Egg Muffins you can bake in a muffin pan.
• More Savory Options – A small batch of Microwave Poached Eggs and Homemade Breakfast Sausage. Another family favorite brunch dish that would also work for a special occasion are these Dijon Sausage Rolls.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – You can store baked Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil, chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave, in an air fryer at 350°F or in a preheated 350°F oven just until heated through.
• Freezer – You can freeze this casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven just before serving. You can also reheat in an air fryer.

More Easy Breakfast Casseroles to Make

• Tater Tot Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole could be enjoyed any time of day.
• Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is a potluck favorite.
• Make breakfast overnight with this Crockpot Breakfast Casserole.
• Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole that anyone can make.
• Ham and Egg Bubble Up is a conch to make.
• Farmers Breakfast Skillet is a one dish meal.
• Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a one dish meal.
• Sausage and Cheese Frittata from Southern Living.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives