Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings

Description

This make-ahead praline pecan French toast is an absolute indulgence on Christmas morning, with its fluffy bread, creamy custard, and crunchy topping.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups half-and-half
8 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
8 slices French bread
1/4 cup butter, or more as needed
1/2 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar, or more to taste

Directions

1 Mix half-and-half, eggs, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon sugar together in a large shallow bowl. Add French bread. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
2 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3 Place butter in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Transfer to the preheated oven until butter melts, about 5 minutes. Swirl butter over bottom of the dish.
4 Spread maple syrup, pecans, and remaining 3/4 cup sugar over melted butter. Arrange soaked bread on top of pecan mixture.
5 Bake until top is golden and no longer runny, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar just before serving.