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Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This Overnight French Toast is a delightful make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring layers of French bread soaked in a rich custard of milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Topped with toasted pecans for a perfect crunch, it bakes into a warm, golden, and fluffy dish ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunches.

Ingredients

For the French Toast Base

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 loaf French bread, sliced into ½” thick pieces

For the Custard Mixture

  • 2 ½ cups 2% milk, room temperature
  • 6 eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • ¾ cup chopped pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish with the butter, then arrange the French bread slices in slightly overlapping layers inside the dish. Set aside to prepare the custard.
  2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth to create the custard mixture.
  3. Soak the Bread: Pour the prepared custard evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
  4. Bake Covered: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and bake it covered with foil for 40 minutes, allowing the custard to set and begin bubbling.
  5. Add Pecans and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until the pecans are toasted, and the French toast is puffed and golden brown.
  6. Serve Warm: Remove the French toast from the oven and serve immediately warm with butter and maple syrup for a comforting and indulgent breakfast treat.

Notes

  • Use day-old French bread for best results to avoid sogginess.
  • Room temperature milk and eggs help the custard mix more evenly.
  • Cover tightly when soaking overnight to prevent the bread from drying out.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for nut-free option.
  • To accommodate dietary needs, use gluten-free bread or a plant-based milk if desired.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/overnight-french-toast-with-pecans-recipe/