Picture this: You’re waking up on a lazy weekend 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 Ultimate Southern Pecan French Toast Casserole. This isn’t your basic breakfast; it’s a showstopper that’ll have your family begging for seconds!
Y’all, I’ve been making this recipe for years, and let me tell you, it never fails to impress. The best part? You can prep it the night before (perfect for those of us who aren’t morning people, am I right?).
What You’ll Need:
– 1 large loaf of brioche bread (slightly stale works best, trust me!)
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup butter (melted)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– Pinch of sea salt
Now, let’s get cooking! 💁♀️
First things first, cut that brioche into thick slices (about 1-inch thick) and arrange them in a buttered 9×13 baking dish. Make it pretty – we eat with our eyes first!
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour this magical mixture over your bread, making sure every piece gets some love. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours if you’re impatient like me!).
(BTW, if you’re loving this recipe so far, make sure to follow me on NewsBreak for more mouthwatering recipes daily! I’ve got so many more delicious treats up my sleeve!)
For the topping, mix all those yummy ingredients together until they’re well combined. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F, sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over your soaked bread, and pop it in the oven for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
Let it cool for about 10 minutes (I know it’s hard to wait, but trust your girl on this one!). Serve it up with some warm maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, some fresh berries.
Y’all, this isn’t just breakfast – it’s a whole experience! The combination of custardy French toast with that crunchy, caramelized pecan topping is absolutely heavenly. It’s perfect for holiday mornings, special occasions, or just because you deserve something amazing!
Don’t forget to drop a comment below and let me know how this recipe turned out for you! Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it! And remember to follow me on NewsBreak for more delicious recipes that’ll make your kitchen the most popular spot in the house!
XOXO, your favorite foodie friend! 💋✨
