Pioneer Womans Overnight French Toast Casserole
Pioneer Woman's Overnight French Toast Casserole: Rise and Shine, Sunshine!
Ever wake up craving something totally comforting? This pioneer woman french toast casserole is your answer. It's like a warm hug on a plate. Think sweet, custardy goodness.
This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, is pure comfort food. It is a delightfully rich and custardy overnight french toast casserole featuring challah bread soaked in a sweet vanilla cinnamon custard, topped with a buttery streusel.
This custard breakfast bake is perfect for a holiday breakfast casserole , or any morning you deserve a treat.
Why You'll Love This Easy French Toast Casserole
Honestly, it's the easiest way to impress at brunch. Plus, it's a make-ahead breakfast casserole . Talk about a lifesaver! It's got that comforting, home style goodness that Ree is famous for.
It's a really sweet breakfast casserole !
Brunch Bliss: An Overview
This recipe hails from classic American comfort food traditions. This french toast casserole recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort.
Just plan ahead for the overnight chill. It will be ready to eat in under an hour! This recipe yields about 8-10 servings.
The Secret Weapon: Challah French Toast Casserole Benefits
Beyond the delicious taste, this challah french toast casserole is a great source of energy to kickstart your day. It is the perfect centerpiece for a relaxed brunch recipes , or a festive holiday gathering.
What makes this recipe special? Its simplicity and amazing flavour. And let's not forget the indulgent maple syrup cream sauce ! Get your apron on and let's do it.
Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty of what you'll need for this absolutely divine Pioneer Woman french toast casserole recipe! Honestly, it's easier than you think.
This easy french toast casserole is about to become your new go-to brunch recipe . Trust me!
Ingredients & Equipment
First off, a little secret? I once tried making this overnight french toast casserole with regular sliced bread. Let's just say, challah or brioche is WORTH the splurge. It's a game changer!
Main Ingredients
- Eggs: You'll need 6 large eggs (300g) . Use good ones, you know? Happy hens lay happy eggs!
- Milk: 2 cups (475ml) of whole milk for that creamy goodness.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream. Don't skimp, this is where the richness comes from.
- Sugar: ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar. Just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A generous 2 tablespoons (30ml) of pure vanilla extract. Not the imitation stuff, okay? Real vanilla makes all the difference.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg. Freshly ground is best if you have it!
- Salt: Just a pinch, about 1g , to balance the sweet.
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 1 pound/450g) of challah, brioche, or French bread. Cut it into 1 inch cubes . Day-old is even better! That way it can soak up the custard without getting too mushy.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted. This is for greasing the pan, so everything slides out perfectly. And ¼ cup (57g) cold unsalted butter for the streusel, cut into cubes.
- Streusel Time: ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour and ½ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar to get the maple syrup cream sauce flavor going.
Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon and nutmeg are a must for that classic custard breakfast bake flavour. It's what makes this sweet breakfast casserole sing! You could add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.
Or a dash of orange zest for brightness. Vanilla is a flavor enhancer, bringing it together. You can always swap nutmeg for allspice in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Honestly, nothing fancy here! This french toast casserole recipe is not complicated.
- Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch baking dish is essential.
- Mixing Bowls: A large one for the custard and a small one for the streusel.
- Whisk: To get that custard nice and smooth.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Because precision matters...ish.
- Pastry Blender: Optional, but helpful for the streusel. You can just use your fingers too!
See? Totally doable. Once you've got everything gathered, you're ready to rock this holiday breakfast casserole and make a make-ahead breakfast casserole worthy of the Pioneer Woman herself.
Now, let's get cooking!
Pioneer Woman's Overnight French Toast Casserole: Rise and Shine, Sunshine!
Honestly, who doesn't love waking up to the smell of something sweet baking in the oven? This pioneer woman french toast casserole recipe is my take on a classic, inspired by Ree Drummond's famous version.
It's perfect for lazy weekend brunches or holiday breakfast casserole feasts. It's a delightfully rich and custardy overnight french toast casserole sensation, that makes the perfect make-ahead breakfast casserole , meaning less stress in the morning.
Trust me, this easy french toast casserole will become a family favourite! I still remember the first time I made it for my family, everyone was so full after eating.
Prep Steps to Win!
- Essential mise en place . Grab your challah or brioche. Cut it into one-inch cubes. Gather your eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and spices. Measure everything out.
- Time saving organization tips. Do this the night before! Seriously. You'll thank yourself in the morning when all you have to do is pop it in the oven. This makes it a super easy brunch recipes option.
- Remember safety first! Keep raw eggs away from other foods. And be careful handling the hot casserole dish!
step-by-step French Toast Casserole Bliss!
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter, using 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter . Scatter the bread cubes evenly into the prepared dish.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Use 6 large eggs (300g) , 2 cups (475ml) whole milk , 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream , ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar , 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure vanilla extract , 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2g) , ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5g) , and a pinch of salt (1g) .
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Ensure all the bread is moistened. Gently press down to submerge.
- Cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for the overnight french toast casserole . This custard breakfast bake needs time to soak!
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Use ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour , ½ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar , ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (0.5g) , and ¼ cup (57g) cold unsalted butter .
- Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45- 55 minutes , or until puffed and golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the sweet breakfast casserole a chance to set up a bit.
Pro Tips: French Toast Casserole Edition
- Stale bread is your friend! It soaks up the custard better without getting all mushy. Use a day old challah french toast casserole version for best results!
- Don't skip the chill time! This is crucial for letting the bread absorb the custard.
- Try it with maple syrup cream sauce ! Trust me, it's next level.
Alright, there you have it! This Pioneer Woman inspired French Toast Casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes for Your Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole
So, you're about to make the pioneer woman french toast casserole ? Ace! Honestly, this thing is a total game changer for brunch recipes .
Let's talk about how to make it extra special, shall we? I mean, you could just follow the recipe, but where's the fun in that?
Plating Perfection
Okay, presentation matters. I think the best way is to serve this up is warm. A scoop of this golden goodness, maybe with a dusting of powdered sugar? Oh my gosh, total perfection! To make it pretty, add some fresh berries.
They are colorful and they cut through the richness. Maybe a sprig of mint? You know, fancy it up a bit.
Reheating leftover heaven.
If, and that is a big if, you have any leftover, then storage is key. Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and shove it in the fridge.
You can keep it for up to 3 days . To reheat, just microwave it for a minute or two, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it is warmed through.
Honestly, the microwave is easier. For freezing, cool it completely, wrap it tight, and freeze for up to 2 months .
Adapt it!
Want to shake things up? I totally get it. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat bread instead of challah for your challah french toast casserole .
You can reduce the sugar slightly, too. And if you're feeling festive, add some cranberries and orange zest during the holidays for a total holiday breakfast casserole .
Or for a gluten-free option, grab your favorite gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free flour blend in the streusel topping.
Nutrition lowdown
Alright, let's be real. This is a treat, not a kale smoothie. But hey, it's got eggs and dairy, so there's some protein and calcium in there! This sweet breakfast casserole does have sugar, so don't go overboard.
You could make this with a good source of carbs to get you going for the day. It's all about balance, right? A little indulgence never hurt anyone, especially when it tastes this good!
Go Forth and Bake!
This easy french toast casserole is super easy to make. With some minor changes it can be turned in to an overnight french toast casserole or even a make-ahead breakfast casserole .
It’s so delicious with a little bit of maple syrup cream sauce , don't be scared to give it a try! Trust me, you’ve got this.
Get in the kitchen and make this custard breakfast bake . Enjoy and have fun baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Pioneer Woman french toast casserole the same day, or does it really need to sit overnight?
While technically you could bake it the same day, the overnight soak is key to that custardy, melt-in-your mouth texture we all crave. Think of it like letting a good cuppa tea steep - the longer it sits, the richer the flavour.
If you're really pressed for time, aim for at least 2-4 hours of soaking, but overnight (8-12 hours) is truly the sweet spot for optimal results.
What's the best kind of bread to use for this Pioneer Woman french toast casserole recipe?
Challah, brioche, or even sturdy French bread are all fantastic choices. The goal is to use a bread that can soak up a lot of liquid without becoming complete mush. Slightly stale bread actually works best, so if your bread is fresh, you can let it sit out for a day or so to dry out a little just like making bread pudding!
Help! My streusel topping is burning before the casserole is cooked through. What am I doing wrong?
No worries, that's a common baking issue! If the streusel is browning too quickly, simply tent the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will shield the topping from the direct heat, allowing the casserole to finish cooking evenly.
Think of it like putting a sunhat on your french toast!
Can I freeze leftover Pioneer Woman french toast casserole?
Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in freezer safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
I'm looking for variations can I add anything extra to the Pioneer Woman french toast casserole?
Definitely! This recipe is a blank canvas for your brunchy creativity. Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) are a classic addition. You could also stir in chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, in the streusel topping add a nice crunch.
Feel free to play around and make it your own signature dish!
Is this Pioneer Woman french toast casserole healthy?
Let's be real, this is a treat, not a health food! It's rich in calories, fat, and sugar. That said, everything in moderation, right? You can make some lighter swaps, like using skim milk or almond milk, cutting back on the sugar, or adding fruit to boost the nutritional value.
Consider it an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday breakfast. Enjoy!
Pioneer Womans Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
