Picture this: You’re waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, craving something absolutely divine that’ll make your taste buds dance. Well, honey, let me introduce you to my grandmother’s secret weapon – the most heavenly Southern Pecan French Toast Casserole you’ll ever taste!
Y’all, this isn’t your basic French toast. This is the kind of breakfast that’ll have your family running to the kitchen faster than you can say “maple syrup.” The best part? You can prep it the night before, so you’re not wrestling with breakfast when you’re still half asleep!
Here’s what you’ll need (trust me, it’s worth the trip to the store):
– 1 loaf of thick-cut brioche bread
– 6 large eggs (farm-fresh if you’re fancy like that)
– 2 cups of whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
For the to-die-for pecan topping:
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
Now, let’s get cooking! (And if you’re loving this recipe already, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for more mouth-watering recipes that’ll make you the star of any breakfast table!)
Instructions:
1. Cut that gorgeous brioche into 1-inch cubes. Don’t be shy – we’re going for chunks here, not crumbs!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth as silk.
3. Layer half the bread in a greased 9×13 baking dish, sprinkle with pecans, then add the remaining bread.
4. Pour that heavenly egg mixture all over, making sure every piece gets some love.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight (this is when the magic happens, ladies!)
In the morning:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F
2. Mix your topping ingredients
3. Uncover the casserole and sprinkle that glorious pecan topping all over
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy on top
Oh. My. Goodness. The smell alone will have your neighbors “casually” dropping by!
Listen, y’all – this recipe has saved me during countless family brunches and holiday mornings. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, and I promise you’ll be the talk of the town once you serve this up!
If you’re drooling over this recipe (I know I am!), don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more delicious recipes that’ll make you feel like a kitchen goddess! Drop a comment below and tell me how this turned out for you – I love hearing your kitchen adventures!
And between us girls, this pairs perfectly with a mimosa… but you didn’t hear that from me! 😉
P.S. Still craving more recipes? Your girl’s got you covered! Follow me on Newsbreak for daily doses of culinary inspiration that’ll have your family thinking you secretly went to culinary school! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments – I read every single one while sipping my morning coffee! 💋
