Decadent Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe!)

Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this incredible Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole. This dish takes all the beloved flavors of classic French toast and bakes them into an irresistible, make-ahead casserole. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches, offering a rich, sweet, and satisfying start to your day. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of a simple recipe that truly pleases a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole

• Inspired Classic: This recipe channels the cozy, comforting spirit of Ree Drummond’s popular creations.
• Effortless Entertaining: Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just an easy weekend family breakfast.
• Rich Flavor Profile: It combines the warmth of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet maple with a luxurious custard.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy a delightful contrast of crisp, caramelly topping and soft, custardy bread beneath.
• Overnight Convenience: Prepare this Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole the night before for stress-free mornings.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple, step-by-step instructions ensure a delicious outcome for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Gather your pantry staples and fresh ingredients for this delightful Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole. Each component plays a crucial role in creating its iconic texture and flavor.

• 1 loaf French bread, about 14-inches long (day-old is best!)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is a key ingredient in many sweet dishes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of baked goods.

• 1 cup pecans, chopped (divided for batter and topping)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup pure maple syrup

Notes & Substitutions

For the best results, start with day-old French bread or sourdough. Culinary experts like Alton Brown recommend using day-old bread for French toast to ensure proper custard absorption. It absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming soggy. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whole milk for a slightly lighter texture, or even a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk. Feel free to swap out maple syrup for honey or agave nectar in a pinch. For the topping, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes for pecans. You can also enhance the spice profile with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this fantastic Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole. A few kitchen basics will do the trick!

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepot
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Prepare this delicious Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole following these simple steps for a perfect breakfast every time.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Slice Bread: Cut the loaf of French bread into 1-inch-thick slices. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. If you have extra, overlap them slightly.
3. Whisk Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Soak Bread: Carefully dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about one minute per side. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated and has absorbed some of the custard.
5. Arrange in Dish: Transfer the soaked bread slices back into the baking dish, arranging them snugly. Pour any remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread in the dish.
6. Make Topping: In a small saucepot over medium heat, melt the butter with the maple syrup. Stir in the chopped pecans. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly fragrant.
7. Add Topping: Pour the warm pecan and maple syrup mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Spread it gently to cover as much surface as possible.
8. Bake Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Rest & Serve: Let the baked Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to fully set. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For the most flavorful and perfectly textured casserole, always use slightly stale bread. It acts like a sponge, soaking up the rich custard without falling apart. Avoid over-soaking your bread, especially if it’s fresh, to prevent a soggy interior and ensure those delightful crisp edges. When adding the pecan topping, try to distribute it evenly so every bite gets some of that sweet, crunchy goodness. If your topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with foil for the last few minutes of baking. Remember to allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this helps the custard set properly and makes for cleaner slices. For ultimate ease, prepare this delicious Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole overnight and bake it fresh in the morning!

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this delightful Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole warm with a generous drizzle of extra pure maple syrup.
• Top individual servings with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas for a pop of freshness.
• A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
• Pair it with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast spread.

How To Store French Toast Casserole

• Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate the casserole for up to 4-5 days for best freshness.

How to Reheat French Toast Casserole

• Oven Method: For best results, reheat individual slices or the whole casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.
• Always ensure the casserole is heated through to a safe temperature before serving again.

Flavor Variations

• Stir in chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the custard for a different sweetness.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce or a dark chocolate ganache after baking for an extra decadent treat.
• Create a cream cheese swirl by dolloping softened cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and vanilla over the bread before baking.
• Toast some coconut flakes and sprinkle them over the top for a tropical twist on this favorite.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying a serving of this rich and satisfying Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole provides a hearty start to your day. It contains a balanced mix of macronutrients to keep you energized.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is intended as a general guide.

FAQ

• Can I make this French toast casserole ahead?
  Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven the next morning!
• What kind of bread works best?
  Day-old French bread or brioche are ideal choices. Their slightly stale nature helps them soak up the custard without becoming soggy, ensuring a perfect texture.
• How do I prevent it from getting soggy?
  Using slightly stale bread and not over-soaking each slice helps tremendously. Also, ensure your oven is preheated properly and bake until the center is set.
• Can I use different nuts for the topping?
  Yes, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or sliced almonds. They both add a lovely crunch and flavor to this delicious Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
  Yes, you can freeze individual slices once cooled completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven from frozen.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a star player for any breakfast or brunch. With its simple preparation and mouth-watering taste, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Don’t hesitate to give this delightful dish a try and experience the joy of an easy, decadent morning meal. Share your culinary adventures and let us know how your casserole turned out in the comments below! If you loved this, explore our other quick and easy breakfast casserole recipes for more inspiration.

Decadent Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole (Easy Overnight Recipe!)

A delightful overnight French toast casserole featuring a rich egg and cream mixture soaked into French bread, topped with a buttery maple pecan crunch, perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread about 14-inches long
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Topping

• 2 cup pecans chopped
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup maple syrup

Equipment

• Whisk
• Bowl
• Baking Dish
• Saucepot

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Slice French bread into 1-inch-thick pieces.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, both sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
4. Dip bread slices in the egg mixture for 1 minute, then arrange them in a baking dish.
5. Pour any leftover egg mixture over the bread in the dish.

Baking

1. For the topping, melt butter with maple syrup in a saucepot, stir in chopped pecans, and pour over the bread.
2. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
3. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving, optionally with extra maple syrup.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning for an easy and impressive breakfast. Serve with extra maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.