Indulge in a heavenly breakfast with the overnight pecan praline baked French toast. This mouth-watering dish combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the sweetness of praline and the comfort of French toast. The best part? You prepare it the night before, making your morning hassle-free and delicious.
Photos of Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast Recipe
Most of the ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and bread are staples in any pantry. However, you may need to pick up some pecans and light corn syrup from your local supermarket. Pecans add a delightful crunch and distinct flavor to the dish. Light corn syrup helps create a smooth, sweet praline topping that beautifully complements the French toast.
Ingredients for Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast
French bread: A key ingredient that forms the base of the dish. It soaks up the egg mixture and gets beautifully crispy when baked.
Eggs: These add structure and richness to the French toast.
Half and half: This cream-milk mixture adds a creamy richness to the dish.
Milk: Helps to thin out the egg mixture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the French toast.
Vanilla extract: Provides a lovely, subtle sweetness and fragrance.
Ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a sweet, nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Salt: Balances the sweetness in the dish.
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps in browning.
Light brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the praline topping.
Pecans: These nuts offer a delicious crunch and flavor.
Light corn syrup: It helps to keep the praline topping smooth and glossy.
One reader, Dorena Hedrick says:
This overnight pecan praline baked French toast recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and indulgent, and the prep is so easy. Waking up to the smell of this baking in the oven is pure bliss. It's become a weekend staple in our home. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Baked French Toast
How to prepare the praline topping: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, pecans, corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before spreading it over the French toast.
How to slice the French bread: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Ensure the slices are even to allow for even soaking of the egg mixture.
How to assemble the French toast: Arrange the bread slices in a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish, overlapping them in two rows. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, ensuring all slices are evenly covered. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices to ensure even soaking.
How to bake the French toast: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Once the French toast has been refrigerated overnight, spread the praline topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, or until it is puffed and lightly golden.
How to serve the French toast: Serve the pecan praline baked French toast with maple syrup for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
How To Make Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast
You won’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn with this baked french toast recipe. The spiced bread soaks overnight and is then baked to golden perfection.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 13ozfrench bread,(1 loaf)
- 6large eggs
- 2cupshalf and half
- 1cupmilk
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ¼tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- dash salt
For Praline Topping:
- ½lbbutter,(2 sticks) melted
- 1cuplight brown sugar,packed
- 1cuppecans,chopped
- 2tbsplight corn syrup
- ½tspground cinnamon
- ½tspground nutmeg
Instructions
-
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9×13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.
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In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly.
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Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices.
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Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
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The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Calories: 664.69kcal
- Fat: 44.62g
- Saturated Fat: 21.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.95g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.81g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.97g
- Carbohydrates: 55.46g
- Fiber: 2.37g
- Sugar: 31.92g
- Protein: 13.83g
- Cholesterol: 225.89mg
- Sodium: 535.27mg
- Calcium: 177.18mg
- Potassium: 308.91mg
- Iron: 2.99mg
- Vitamin A: 327.04µg
- Vitamin C: 0.70mg
Expert Tip for Achieving the Best Results with This Recipe
To ensure your French toast comes out perfectly, it's crucial to soak the bread slices thoroughly in the egg mixture. This not only infuses the bread with flavor, but also gives the French toast its signature custardy texture. Don't rush this step - let the bread soak for a few minutes on each side to absorb as much of the mixture as possible. Also, using day-old bread can help, as it absorbs more liquid than fresh bread.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Overnight Baked French Toast
Prep ahead: Prepare the praline topping the night before and store it in the refrigerator. You can also slice the bread and mix the egg mixture in advance to save time in the morning.
Use pre-sliced bread: Opt for pre-sliced French bread to save time on slicing and ensure uniform slices for the baked French toast.
Bake in batches: If you're making a large quantity, consider baking the French toast in batches to ensure even cooking and to save time on preparation.
Set up a station: Organize all the ingredients and equipment you need in one place to streamline the preparation process and minimize back-and-forth in the kitchen.
Delegate tasks: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with tasks like slicing bread, mixing the egg mixture, or preparing the praline topping to save time and make the process more enjoyable.
Substitute Ingredients For Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast Recipe
French bread - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar texture and density to French bread, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
Half and half - Substitute with whole milk and heavy cream: Whole milk and heavy cream can be combined to replicate the richness and creaminess of half and half.
Light brown sugar - Substitute with dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute for light brown sugar, providing a deeper, more caramel-like flavor to the praline topping.
Light corn syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can replace light corn syrup, adding a rich, natural sweetness to the praline topping.
Pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the praline topping.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Baked French Toast
- French bread: A type of bread with a firm and crispy crust, perfect for soaking up the custard mixture in the recipe.
- Baking dish: A flat, rectangular dish used for baking the French toast.
- Rotary beater or whisk: Used for mixing and beating the egg and milk mixture until well blended.
- Foil: Used to cover the baking dish while refrigerating the French toast overnight.
- Oven: Used for baking the French toast to perfection.
- Spoon: Used for spooning the custard mixture in between the bread slices.
- Saucepan: Used for making the praline topping by melting the butter and sugar.
- Baking sheet: Used for placing the baking dish on while baking to catch any potential spills.
- Knife: Used for slicing the French bread into 1-inch slices.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients for the custard mixture and the praline topping.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Baked French Toast
- Let the french toast cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual portions of the cooled french toast in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to serve, remove the desired number of portions from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat, place the thawed french toast in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power.
- For best results, consume the reheated french toast immediately, as the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
- If you have leftover praline topping, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat the topping in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving over the reheated french toast.
How to Reheat Leftover Pecan Praline French Toast
To reheat leftover overnight pecan praline baked french toast, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the desired portion of french toast in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to preserve the moisture and prevent the french toast from drying out.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place a single serving of the french toast on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave. If the toast is not heated to your liking, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Keep in mind that microwaving may cause the praline topping to soften and lose some of its crunch.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the french toast in a skillet or on a griddle. Melt a small amount of butter over medium heat and place the french toast in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy. This method works best for smaller portions and helps to restore the crispiness of the praline topping.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat your leftover french toast. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the desired portion of french toast on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is quick and convenient, especially for smaller portions.
Lastly, if you want to reheat a large portion of the french toast casserole, you can place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Make sure to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and to maintain moisture. This method is ideal when you have a large amount of leftovers and want to serve them all at once.
Interesting Trivia About Overnight Baked French Toast
The pecan praline baked French toast recipe is a delicious make-ahead dish perfect for serving a crowd during breakfast or brunch. It combines the rich flavors of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon with the creamy texture of French toast. This dish is a great option for special occasions or holiday gatherings, as it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, allowing the host to spend more time with their guests. Additionally, the praline topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the dish, making it a memorable and indulgent treat.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Baked French Toast Recipe Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this pecan praline baked French toast recipe is moderate. While the ingredients are relatively common and affordable, the use of pecans and half-and-half may increase the overall cost. However, the dish's ability to serve a household of 4 makes it a reasonable investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Decadent Breakfast Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?
The overnight pecan praline baked french toast recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in calories, with significant amounts of fat and sugar coming from ingredients like half and half, butter, and brown sugar.
- The use of white bread (french bread) provides minimal fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The praline topping, although tasty, is essentially a combination of butter, sugar, and pecans, which adds to the overall calorie and fat content.
- The recipe calls for a generous amount of eggs, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the french bread for a whole grain variety to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the praline topping, or opt for a lighter topping alternative using Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey
- Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to lower the cholesterol content while maintaining the desired texture
- Replace half and half with a lower-fat milk option, such as 2% or almond milk, to cut down on calories and saturated fat
- Incorporate more spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which can enhance the flavor without adding extra calories or sugar
- Serve the french toast with fresh berries or a fruit compote to add natural sweetness and boost the nutritional value of the dish
Editor's Opinion: Why This Pecan Praline French Toast Recipe Stands Out
The overnight pecan praline baked French toast recipe is a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures. The use of French bread soaked in a luscious mixture of eggs, half-and-half, and spices creates a luxurious base for the dish. The praline topping, with its buttery, nutty sweetness, adds a delightful crunch and caramelized flavor. This dish is perfect for a special brunch or holiday breakfast, as it can be prepared in advance and baked to perfection the next day. The combination of flavors and the make-ahead convenience make this recipe a standout choice for any breakfast or brunch gathering.
Enhance Your Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast Recipe:
This recipe offers a delectable combination of French bread, pecans, and a rich praline topping, ensuring a delightful breakfast experience. The overnight preparation allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a luscious and indulgent baked French toast. With a harmonious blend of half-and-half, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this dish promises a symphony of flavors. The meticulous attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and pure vanilla extract, guarantee a truly satisfying and memorable culinary delight.
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