_Sips coffee while typing_
Oh. My. Goodness. Ladies (and gents), prepare yourselves for what I like to call my “Cloud Nine French Toast Casserole” – the breakfast that literally made my mother-in-law ask for the recipe. And trust me, getting her to ask for anything is like trying to get my husband to put his socks in the hamper! 😉
Let me tell you, this isn’t your basic French toast. This is the kind of breakfast that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen when really, you were just binge-watching your favorite show the night before (no judgment here!).
What You’ll Need:
– 1 loaf of brioche bread (slightly stale works best, trust me on this)
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups of heavy cream
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 1/2 cup of maple syrup (the real stuff, not the fake business)
– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
For the heavenly topping:
– 1/2 cup butter (softened)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup pecans (chopped)
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Y’all, if you’re loving this recipe so far, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for more drool-worthy recipes that’ll make your family think you secretly attended culinary school!
Now, let’s get cooking:
1. Cut your brioche into chunky cubes (about 1-inch pieces). If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours or pop it in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes – we want it slightly dry.
1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish (I use butter because calories don’t count in breakfast casseroles, right? 😊)
1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
1. Layer your bread cubes in the prepared dish, then pour that gorgeous custard mixture all over it. Press down gently to make sure every piece gets some love.
1. Mix your topping ingredients together until crumbly. This is where the magic happens, folks!
1. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours if you’re impatient like me).
1. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover and sprinkle that amazing topping all over.
1. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffy.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving (I know it’s hard, but those few minutes make all the difference!).
Seriously, this casserole is like a warm hug for your taste buds. I’ve served this at countless brunches, and it never fails to get the “OMG, this is amazing!” response. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep – if you somehow have leftovers, they reheat beautifully!
Can we talk about how amazing your kitchen will smell while this bakes? It’s better than any candle you can buy, I promise!
Don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more recipes that’ll make you look like a kitchen goddess! Drop a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe – did your family fight over the last piece like mine does? 😉 And pretty please, share your photos if you make it. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your successful kitchen adventures!
XOXO,
Your favorite breakfast-obsessed friend 💕
P.S. If you’re wondering – yes, this pairs perfectly with mimosas. Just saying! 🥂
