Easy Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Praline Topping
There’s something about French toast that just feels special. It’s warm, comforting, and a little indulgent—everything a good breakfast should be. I originally created this recipe for the holiday season—because who doesn’t love to indulge a little bit around the holidays? The best thing about a French toast casserole, though, is that you won’t spend all morning with a spatula in your hand! Time to take it up a notch with my baked French toast casserole recipe, topped with a rich maple praline crunch. Yummm.
Can you make French toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes—this is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast recipe. I always assemble the whole thing the night before. You want to let the bread soak up all that sweet, spiced custard—and you just pop it in the oven the next morning. It comes out golden, caramelized, and absolutely irresistible, ready to serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
This recipe makes a perfect Easter brunch idea.
While it’s a Christmas morning staple in my house, this casserole is even more perfect for Easter brunch. In fact, I highly recommend making two—this dish disappears fast, especially if you’re having company!
What type of bread is best for French toast casserole?
If you’ve been cooking with me for a while, you know I love me some really good bread. Choosing the right bread makes all the difference for homemade French toast. When you’re making a baked version, you need a hardy bread that will hold up to an overnight soak.
For this recipe, you want a loaf of bread that is long, not round. However, keep in mind that a baguette will most likely be a little too narrow. If you use French bread, look for a batard, which is a bit wider than a baguette. You want a loaf that will give you about 20 fairly even slices. Whatever you choose, make each slice about an inch thick, so they absorb all that delicious flavor while still holding their shape.
Can I Freeze a French Toast Casserole?
If you want to prep even further in advance, this casserole freezes beautifully as well. Here’s how to freeze your French toast casserole:
Step 1: Assembling and Freezing Your Casserole
Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t add the praline topping. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. If you’re making this for a big brunch, consider freezing a second casserole to have on hand!
Step 2: Baking Your Casserole
When you’re ready to bake it, thaw your casserole overnight in the fridge. After it’s thawed out and your oven is preheated, add the maple praline topping and bake as directed.
What to Serve with Baked French Toast Casserole
This dish is rich and sweet, so I love pairing it with fresh, bright flavors and a little something savory to balance it out. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast, and who doesn’t like whipped cream? I recommend both. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage adds a savory note to balance out the sweetness. If you want to go all-out and make a truly decadent brunch, make sure to check out the recipes below!
Looking for more brunch inspiration? Try these similar recipes too:
Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe with Maple Praline Topping
This make-ahead baked French toast casserole is the perfect holiday breakfast! Sweet, spiced custard-soaked bread meets a rich, crunchy maple praline topping. If you need to sneak a taste before it hits the table, I won’t judge!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make sure your 9x13 baking dish is at least 3 inches deep. Once you have the right pan, spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice the bread into 20 slices, approximately 1 inch in width. Arrange the slices in two rows in the prepared pan, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Combine the eggs, milk, half and half, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices. Press lightly on the slices to absorb some of the egg mixture. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.
- When you’re ready to bake your casserole, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- To prepare the topping: Place the room temperature (not melted) butter in a mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, pecans, corn syrup, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix to combine.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Spread or drop large dollops of the praline mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and lightly golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Notes
Refrigeration Time: Overnight
