Baked French Toast Casserole With Maple Syrup
This delightful Baked French Toast Casserole, originating from the beloved show Paula’s Home Cooking with Paula Deen, offers a warm and indulgent start to your day, perfect for special occasions or lazy weekends alike. It’s a recipe that brings together the comfort of classic French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole, allowing you to soak the bread overnight for maximum flavor absorption. As you savor each bite, you’ll discover the sweet, rich notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfectly complemented by the crunch of pecans and a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 8-10 servings (approximately) |
| Recipe Category | Breakfast |
| Description | A sweet and delicious baked French toast casserole perfect for breakfast and brunch, inspired by Paula Deen. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1297 |
| Total Fat | 64.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 30.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 364.9 mg |
| Sodium | 1334.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 151 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 47.4 g |
| Protein | 34.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Large eggs |
| 2 cups | Half-and-half |
| 1 cup | Milk |
| 1 cup | Granulated sugar |
| 1 tablespoon | Vanilla extract |
| 1 teaspoon | Ground cinnamon |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Ground nutmeg |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Salt |
| 1/4 cup | Unsalted butter, melted |
| 1 cup | Light brown sugar |
| 1 cup | Pecans, chopped |
| 1/2 cup | Light corn syrup |
| 1 teaspoon | Ground cinnamon (for topping) |
| 1/2 teaspoon | Ground nutmeg (for topping) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread: Begin by slicing the French bread into 20 slices, each approximately 1 inch thick. The bread’s thickness is crucial, as it will absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, and carefully arrange the slices of bread in two rows, ensuring they overlap slightly. This layering not only creates a beautiful presentation but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Use a wire whisk to beat the mixture until it is well blended and slightly frothy. This step is essential for creating a smooth custard that will coat the bread.
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Pour Over the Bread: Once your egg mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring that every slice is adequately covered. Use a spoon to gently push some of the mixture in between the slices, allowing for an even distribution of flavor.
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Refrigerate Overnight: After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it soak overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard, creating a rich and creamy texture.
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Preheat the Oven: The following morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is vital to ensure your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown top.
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Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, chopped pecans, light corn syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined, creating a luscious praline topping that will add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the casserole.
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Bake the Casserole: Remove the foil from the baking dish and spread the praline topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the casserole is puffed up and lightly golden brown on top. The delightful aroma of cinnamon and sugar will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm, drizzled generously with maple syrup, allowing each person to add as much syrup as they desire.
Tips for Success
- Choosing the Bread: For the best results, use a sturdy French bread that is a day or two old. This will help it hold its shape and absorb the custard without falling apart.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add fruits like blueberries or sliced bananas to the bread before pouring the custard over, or swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for brunches or potlucks, as it can be prepared the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to serve!
This Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup is not only toddler-friendly and kid-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for family breakfasts or gatherings, but it’s also perfect for potlucks and brunches. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to delight everyone at the table, ensuring that it will quickly become a beloved staple in your breakfast repertoire. Enjoy every delicious bite!
