Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, so irresistibly delicious, that it transforms your ordinary morning into a culinary celebration. This French Toast Casserole with Praline Topping is not just a recipe—it's a morning miracle that will have your family racing to the breakfast table! Combining the rich, custardy goodness of French toast with a crunchy, sweet praline topping, this dish is the ultimate weekend breakfast showstopper that will make you feel like a gourmet chef without hours of complicated preparation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting the brioche loaf into 1-inch thick cubes. Spread the cubes evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For the praline topping, mix the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl until well combined.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the praline topping evenly over the bread mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- Use day-old brioche for the best texture—slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- Allow the casserole to soak overnight for maximum flavor infusion and a perfectly soft, custardy interior.
- For extra richness, you can replace some milk with half-and-half or add a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a beautiful presentation, use a decorative baking dish and sprinkle powdered sugar just before serving.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday breakfasts or entertaining guests.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious breakfast the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 230mg
