If you’re searching for that perfect sticky-sweet weekend brunch dish, I’m about to share a breakfast game-changer with you. This French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic—comforting, easy to make ahead, and packed with crunchy pecan goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or want something special for your family breakfast, this casserole hits all the right notes. I’ve made it countless times and it’s always the star at the table. Let’s dive in so you can nail this recipe in your kitchen too!

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Why This Recipe Works

Overnight Convenience: You can prep this casserole the night before, making your morning stress-free and letting the bread soak up all the custardy goodness.
Pecans for Texture: The toasted pecans add that satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey bread.
Challah Bread Magic: Using challah makes each bite rich and tender thanks to its natural sweetness and dense crumb that soaks up the egg mixture perfectly.
Balanced Flavors: Brown sugar, warm spices, and vanilla all come together to create a deeply comforting flavor profile that sings with maple syrup.

French Toast Casserole with Pecans, breakfast casserole with pecans, easy French toast bake, weekend brunch ideas, overnight breakfast casserole - A white rectangular baking dish filled with a bread pudding made of uneven, golden-brown bread pieces as the top layer, with some pieces showing a crisp texture and others soft. Scattered throughout are small bits of pecans adding a nutty brown contrast on top. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible on the left side. The overall look is warm and inviting, showing a mix of crunchy and soft textures in a single-layer baked dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients have become my go-to combo for this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe. Every element plays its part — from the custard base that soaks into the bread to the sweet-spiced pecan topping. When possible, I like to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil: For greasing your dish and topping, choose unsalted butter so you control saltiness or coconut oil if you want a subtle tropical twist or dairy-free option.
Challah Bread: Day-old challah is perfect because it’s slightly stale, making it ideal for soaking but it still retains that soft, tender crumb.
Eggs: Large eggs provide the rich custard base that binds everything together; I always opt for farm-fresh eggs when I can.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with any milk you prefer but keep the richness in mind for texture.
Brown Sugar: The molasses notes in brown sugar lend warm sweetness that deepens during baking — essential for that cozy vibe.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor with lovely floral notes that elevate the custard.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that make this recipe feel like a hug on a plate; fresh ground tastes best here.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch—salt balances sweetness and makes all the flavors pop beautifully.
Chopped Pecans: Toasted pecans bring in crunch and buttery nuttiness, making every forkful extra special.
Maple Syrup: For serving, the pure maple syrup drizzle gives that iconic finishing touch every brunch lover craves.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe can be. Over time, I’ve played with different nuts and even spices to match the season or mood. It’s one of those recipes where your own personal touch shines.

Nut Variation: Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or even sliced almonds — each adds a unique crunch and flavor twist that keeps things fun.
Spice Swap: If you want a little kick, a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom works wonders without taking over the dish.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve made it with coconut milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still tastes rich and cozy.
Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup replaces brown sugar well in the custard for a subtler sweetness, especially if you’re aiming for a less sugary breakfast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread Cubes

First things first: generously grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter or coconut oil—this prevents sticking and adds a lovely buttery crust. I like to use a paper towel to evenly coat the pan. Next, cut your challah bread into 1-inch cubes. Using bread that’s a day or two old makes a big difference because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. Spread those cubes out evenly in the dish so they bake uniformly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk 5 large eggs until smooth. Add 1½ cups of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Whisk everything until fully blended and a bit frothy—that oxygen helps create a fluffier bake. This is the sauce that’ll soak into the bread and turn it into a custardy dream.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to coat all pieces. If you’re making this ahead of time (and I definitely recommend it if you want a morning with zero stress), cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge overnight. The bread will soak up every bit of that flavorful custard. If you’re short on time, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking so the bread absorbs the mixture properly.

Step 4: Add the Pecan Topping and Bake

Before baking, drizzle 2 tablespoons melted butter over the top. Then sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar and ½ cup chopped pecans evenly over the casserole. Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Afterwards, remove the cover and bake another 10–20 minutes until the topping is golden and the custard mostly set. My trick? Keep an eye on the edges so it doesn’t brown too quickly—if it looks like it’s browning fast, loosely cover with foil. Once it’s out of the oven, cover it loosely and let it rest for 10 minutes to finish setting up for the perfect slice.

Step 5: Serve with Maple Syrup and Enjoy

Serve warm with plenty of pure maple syrup—trust me, the combo of gooey custard, crunchy pecans, and sticky syrup is irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for lingering breakfast chats or lazy weekend mornings.

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Pro Tips for Making French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can turn soggy, but slightly stale challah soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the custard fully set, ensuring neat slices and a luxurious texture.
Toast Your Pecans: Toast pecans lightly before chopping to boost their flavor and give that irresistible nutty crunch.
Cover During Baking: Keeping the casserole covered early in baking traps moisture and ensures the inside cooks without drying the top.

How to Serve French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top mine with an extra sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch and a dusting of powdered sugar to add that café-style touch. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries bring brightness and contrast the warm spices. And of course, maple syrup is a must—don’t be shy with it for that perfect sticky finish!

Side Dishes

Pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage is something my family always appreciates—that salty-sweet combo is unbeatable. Lightly sautéed greens or a fresh fruit salad can balance the richness beautifully if you want something on the lighter side.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I’ve turned this into individual servings baked in ramekins—super chic and perfect for guests. You can also layer the topping halfway through baking to create a crunchy double pecan crust that’s a serious crowd-pleaser. Adding a dollop of whipped cream on top makes it extra festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I let leftovers cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for about 3 days. The texture mellows a bit, but reheating brings it back nicely.

Freezing

I have frozen this casserole successfully by wrapping it tightly in foil, then a layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The pecans stay crunchy enough if you eat it soon after thawing.

Reheating

Reheating works best in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to avoid drying out—about 15–20 minutes does the trick. For a quicker option, microwave slices in short bursts, but the oven gives you that fresh-baked texture back.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than challah for this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe?

Absolutely! While challah gives the best texture and flavor thanks to its richness and slightly sweet crumb, you can substitute brioche, Texas toast, or even sturdy white sandwich bread. Just avoid super soft or very whole grain breads that might become mushy or not soak up the custard well.
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute or a flaxseed “egg” mix, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The pecans stay the same and add nice richness. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it better to soak the casserole overnight or just before baking?

Soaking overnight gives you more flavorful, custardy bread since the liquid has time to penetrate fully. It also frees up time in the morning—win-win! If you’re short on time, 30 minutes at room temperature can work but the texture might be a bit firmer.
How do I prevent the pecan topping from burning?

Cover the casserole for the first part of baking to protect the topping. If you notice it browning too quickly once uncovered, loosely tent the dish with foil. Toasting pecans before baking also helps deepen flavor without needing excessive bake time.

Final Thoughts

This French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe holds a very special place in my brunch rotation — it’s one of those dishes that brings people together. Whether it’s a holiday morning, a lazy weekend, or a family gathering, the combination of warmly spiced custard, tender challah, and crunchy pecans never disappoints. Give it a try and soon you’ll be sharing it with your loved ones the way I do. Trust me, once you make it, this casserole will become your go-to for cozy breakfast or brunch occasions.