Name: Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole
Ingredients: 10 oz French baguette: The base of the casserole, providing structure and a chewy texture that absorbs the egg mixture beautifully.; 6 large eggs: Essential for the custardy mixture, the eggs lend richness and help bind the casserole together.; 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture and hydrates the bread, ensuring a delightful texture.; 3 Tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture and helps create a caramelized layer on top during baking.; 1/2 tsp cinnamon: This warm spice enhances the overall flavor, giving the dish a cozy, aromatic touch.; 1/2 cup butter: Provides richness and helps create a luscious topping that melds the ingredients together.; 1 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the topping, allowing it to caramelize and create a delightful crust.; 1/2 cup corn syrup: Adds sweetness and moisture, mimicking the syrupy texture of traditional pecan pie.; 1 tsp cinnamon: Enhances the topping with warmth and depth of flavor.; 2 cups pecan halves: The star ingredient in the topping, pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor essential to the pecan pie profile.

Description

Savor pecan pie French toast casserole—a delightful blend of sweet, creamy custard and crunchy pecans. Perfect for a cozy brunch or holiday treat!

Ingredients

Scale

10 oz French baguette: The base of the casserole, providing structure and a chewy texture that absorbs the egg mixture beautifully.
6 large eggs: Essential for the custardy mixture, the eggs lend richness and help bind the casserole together.
1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture and hydrates the bread, ensuring a delightful texture.
3 Tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture and helps create a caramelized layer on top during baking.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: This warm spice enhances the overall flavor, giving the dish a cozy, aromatic touch.

Topping Ingredients

1/2 cup butter: Provides richness and helps create a luscious topping that melds the ingredients together.
1 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the topping, allowing it to caramelize and create a delightful crust.
1/2 cup corn syrup: Adds sweetness and moisture, mimicking the syrupy texture of traditional pecan pie.
1 tsp cinnamon: Enhances the topping with warmth and depth of flavor.
2 cups pecan halves: The star ingredient in the topping, pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor essential to the pecan pie profile.

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the bread: Slice the French baguette into 1-inch thick pieces and layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish, filling the base and ensuring there are no large gaps.
Make the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 3 Tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon until fully combined and frothy.
Pour over bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ensuring each piece is soaked nicely. Press down gently if necessary to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
Create the topping: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Once melted, mix in 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup corn syrup. Stir until fully combined and smooth, then add 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 cups pecan halves, stirring to coat the pecans well.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish, spreading the pecans as necessary to cover all the bread.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-43 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole warm, perhaps with a drizzle of maple syrup if desired!