Weekend brunches just got a whole lot more exciting! If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast dish that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s Baked French Toast. This isn’t your average French toast; it’s an outrageously delicious, melt-in-your-mouth casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating your family to something special. Imagine the comforting flavors of classic French toast elevated with a delightful, almost sinful, buttery crumble topping. Get ready to experience a breakfast revelation that will have everyone making those happy “mmm” sounds!
Delicious baked French toast casserole topped with a buttery crumble and fresh blueberries, a classic Pioneer Woman brunch recipe.
Pioneer Woman’s Baked French Toast Recipe: The Ultimate Brunch Treat
This recipe, inspired by the beloved Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, transforms ordinary French toast into an extraordinary baked casserole. It’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for stress-free morning gatherings. The combination of rich custard-soaked bread and a sweet, crumbly topping is simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- Butter, for greasing
- 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread, torn or cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- 1 stick (½ cup) cold butter, cut into pieces
For Serving (optional):
- Warm syrup
- Butter
- Fresh blueberries
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: Generously grease a baking pan with butter. Arrange the torn or cubed bread evenly in the prepared pan.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the pan, ensuring all the bread is moistened. For best results, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. If you’re short on time, you can bake it immediately.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small pebbles. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
- Baking Time: Bake for 45 minutes for a softer, bread pudding-like texture, or for 1 hour or longer for a firmer, crispier result. Check for desired doneness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop portions of the baked French toast onto plates. Top with a pat of butter, a drizzle of warm pancake syrup, and a sprinkle of fresh blueberries, if desired. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
This Pioneer Woman baked French toast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a special occasion brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite!
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
