Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has gifted the culinary world with countless delightful recipes, but her French toast casserole might just be one of her most beloved breakfast creations. This recipe takes the comforting flavors of classic French toast and transforms them into an easy-to-bake casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making holiday mornings extra special. Inspired by the iconic Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole recipe, this version aims to deliver that same mouthwatering experience with a few tweaks to ensure it’s a guaranteed hit every time you make it.
This isn’t just any baked French toast; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine sinking your fork into a dish where crisp-edged, yet soft and custardy French bread meets a decadent caramelly sweetness. The pecan streusel topping adds the perfect crunch and nutty flavor that elevates this casserole to another level of deliciousness. And the best part? This crowd-pleasing breakfast centerpiece requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. With just about 5 to 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole ready to bake and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
For those looking to balance the sweetness of this dish, consider pairing it with a savory breakfast casserole or some fresh fruit. However, on its own, this Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunches, or any day you want to treat your family to something truly special.
Close up of Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole served on a white plate with a golden spoon.
What Goes into Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole?
To create this incredible cinnamon baked french toast casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Bread: A 14-inch loaf of French bread is ideal. Its sturdy texture holds up beautifully in the casserole, creating that perfect crisp-yet-soft bite.
- Eggs: Six large eggs are the binding agent and provide richness to the custard base.
- Heavy Cream: This is key to achieving that luxurious, custard-like texture that makes this casserole so decadent.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and balances the richness of the heavy cream. You can use other types of milk, but whole milk will give the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: This combination provides a depth of sweetness. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like note that complements the cinnamon and maple syrup perfectly.
- Cinnamon: The essential warm spice that gives French toast its classic flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
For the irresistible pecan streusel topping, you’ll need:
- Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a delightful nutty crunch and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet casserole.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create the crumbly texture of the streusel.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor. It adds a touch of natural sweetness and caramel notes that tie the topping together.
These ingredients are also versatile and can be used to create variations like brioche French toast casserole or even coffee cake, offering a range of sweet breakfast and brunch options from a similar pantry base.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole batter in a glass mixing bowl before being whisked.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole
Making this Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps to create a breakfast masterpiece:
Step 1: Prepare the French Toast Batter and Bread
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick pieces. Set aside the bread slices. Crusty sourdough can also be used as a substitute for French bread, offering a slightly different texture but equally delicious result.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful custard base for the casserole.
Step 2: Assemble the French Toast Casserole
- Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s soaked for about 1 minute on each side. This allows the bread to absorb the custard and become wonderfully soft and flavorful.
- Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Pour any remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the dish. This ensures that all the bread is moistened and contributes to the overall custardy texture of the casserole.
Step 3: Make and Add the Pecan Streusel Topping
- Prepare the pecan streusel topping while the casserole is getting ready for baking. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the maple syrup.
- Once the butter is melted and combined with the maple syrup, add the chopped pecans to the saucepan. Stir to coat the pecans evenly in the butter-maple mixture.
- Pour or spoon the pecan streusel topping evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Spread it out to cover as much of the surface as possible for maximum flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 4: Bake the French Toast Casserole
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Covering it initially helps the bread steam and become tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes uncovered. Baking uncovered allows the top to turn golden brown and the streusel topping to become crisp and caramelized.
- Let the baked French toast casserole cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Serve this delightful Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole as is, or enhance it further with a drizzle of extra maple syrup, a dollop of butter, or fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This recipe generously serves about 8 people, making it perfect for gatherings. Leftovers, if any, can be stored for future enjoyment.
How to Store Leftover French Toast Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftover French toast casserole in the baking dish covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For best results, ensure it is completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven Reheating: The oven is the best way to reheat larger portions of the casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the texture and flavor of the casserole.
- Microwave Reheating: For individual slices or smaller portions, the microwave is a convenient option. Heat slices in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can make the bread tough.
Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole
This Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole is truly a winner. Its addictive combination of sweet, warm, and comforting flavors makes it a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. You don’t need a special holiday to bake this delightful casserole; it’s an excellent way to elevate any ordinary breakfast or brunch, especially on relaxed weekend mornings. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible taste makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking for a surefire breakfast hit.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy French toast casserole recipe is practically foolproof and promises to bring smiles to your family’s faces. Don’t hesitate to make this Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole your new go-to breakfast recipe!
Delicious Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole being drizzled with maple syrup before serving.
If you enjoy the convenience of casseroles, explore more easy casserole recipes to discover your next family favorite. And if you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s recipes, be sure to also try the Pioneer Woman stuffing recipe for another taste of her culinary genius. For more recipe inspiration and daily deliciousness, check out our social media channels on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Continue to Content
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, about 14-inches long
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cut the bread into 1-inch-thick slices and set aside.
- Whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Add bread slices into the milk mixture and let them soak for 1 minute before transferring them to a baking dish.
- Pour over any remaining egg mixture on the bread.
- Make the topping: in a saucepot, melt butter with maple syrup. Stir in pecans and pour the mixture over the bread slices.
- Bake the french toast, covered for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Let the french toast rest for 10 minutes before serving and slicing. Serve the french toast with some more syrup on top.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 502, Total Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Trans Fat: 0g, Unsaturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 0mg, Carbohydrates: 51g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Protein: 12g
