Apple and Pecan Breakfast Casserole

🍏🥧🍳 Apple and Pecan Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious Morning Treat! 🌞

History 📜:
The Apple and Pecan Breakfast Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the sweet and nutty flavors of apples and pecans with the comfort of a breakfast casserole. While there isn’t a specific historical record for this exact dish, it is part of a broader tradition of breakfast casseroles that have been enjoyed for generations. Casseroles, in general, gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century as a convenient way to prepare and serve meals for families.

Components 🍽️:

• 6-8 slices of day-old bread (white or whole wheat)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup of chopped pecans
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• Maple syrup (for serving, optional)

Steps to Prepare 🍴:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Start by arranging the slices of day-old bread in the greased baking dish, making sure they cover the bottom evenly.

3. Layer the sliced apples and chopped pecans over the bread slices. This will add a delicious fruity and nutty flavor to the casserole.

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.

5. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread, apples, and pecans. Ensure that all the bread is soaked in the liquid.

6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the liquid and flavors.

7. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.

8. Bake the casserole, covered with foil, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

9. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the casserole is set in the middle. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

10. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

11. Serve slices of the Apple and Pecan Breakfast Casserole with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.

Time ⏰:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Chilling: 1 hour or overnight
• Baking: 50-55 minutes

Total time may vary slightly depending on your oven and prep speed, but this scrumptious breakfast casserole is well worth the effort! 🍽️ Enjoy your delicious morning treat! 🌞🍏🥧🍳

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Apple and Pecan Breakfast Casserole:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: Around 350-400 calories per serving (varies based on portion size)
• Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: About 40-45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: Around 3-4 grams
• Sugars: Approximately 20-25 grams
• Total Fat: About 17-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: Around 4-6 grams
• Cholesterol: About 185-200 mg
• Sodium: Approximately 300-350 mg
• Vitamins and Minerals: The casserole contains essential nutrients from eggs, milk, and fruits, including vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D, and minerals like calcium and potassium.

Health Information:

1. Protein: Eggs provide a good source of protein, which is important for muscle health and overall body function.

2. Fiber: While this casserole is not particularly high in fiber, the addition of apples does provide some dietary fiber, which can support digestive health.

3. Sugars: The sugars in this dish primarily come from natural sources like apples and a small amount from granulated sugar. It’s not excessively high in added sugars.

4. Fats: The casserole contains some fats, including saturated fats. While fats are essential for energy and nutrient absorption, it’s advisable to consume them in moderation.

5. Cholesterol: Eggs are a source of dietary cholesterol, but current dietary guidelines suggest that dietary cholesterol has a smaller impact on blood cholesterol levels than was once believed. However, it’s still advisable to consume eggs in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

6. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively moderate. You can adjust this by using low-sodium bread and other low-sodium ingredients if you’re watching your salt intake.

7. Nutrient Variety: The casserole offers a variety of nutrients from different food groups, including protein from eggs, calcium from milk, and vitamins and fiber from apples. This makes it a balanced breakfast option when consumed in moderation.

Remember that portion sizes play a crucial role in determining the nutritional impact of any dish. While this casserole can be a delicious and nutritious breakfast choice, it’s essential to enjoy it as part of a well-rounded diet and not in excessive quantities to maintain a healthy balance.