There’s something so comforting about waking up to a warm, golden French toast casserole bubbling out of the oven. This Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe packs that cozy feeling with a delightful crunchy pecan topping and rich custardy bread that everyone will ask for seconds on.

A white plate holds several thick, golden-brown pieces of bread pudding, layered unevenly with a soft, spongy texture visible inside. Scattered pecans rest on and around the pudding, adding a crunchy contrast. A woman's hand pours amber syrup from a small glass jar over the bread pudding, creating shiny, flowing streams that catch the light. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting nearby and a white dish filled with more bread pudding in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch. The sweet, nutty pecan topping combined with the soft, custardy bread is simply irresistible, and it’s so flexible you can make it the night before!

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Minimal ingredients come together for maximum cozy breakfast vibes with little hands-on time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning—stress-free mornings for the win.
Pecan Crunch: The toasted pecans on top add a satisfying texture contrast to the soft custard-soaked bread.
Customizable: You can easily swap spices, nuts, or bread to suit what you have or your taste preferences.

A white rectangular dish filled with a layered bread dessert made of golden brown bread pieces that are toasted and soft inside. The chunks of bread are piled together, some shiny from syrup or butter, and scattered with small pieces of pecans that add a crunchy texture. The bread shows a mix of light yellow, golden, and deep brown tones. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a delicious role in this casserole’s success. A sturdy, slightly stale bread like challah soaks up the custardy egg mixture without falling apart, while warming spices and pecans elevate simple ingredients into something special.

Flat lay of a small loaf of challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes, five large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of chopped pecans, and a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Challah Bread: Its soft crumb and slight sweetness make it perfect for soaking up the egg batter—it’s important to use bread that’s at least a day old to avoid sogginess.
Eggs: They bind everything together and create that beautiful custard texture we all love in French toast.
Milk: Adds creaminess; I usually use whole milk for the best rich taste but any milk or plant-based milk will work.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, with a hint of molasses flavor that’s more complex than white sugar.
Vanilla Extract: A must for that warm, comforting aroma and subtle flavor lift.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic spices that turn simple custard into a cozy treat.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil: For greasing the pan and drizzling on top, adding richness and helping the pecans toast perfectly.
Chopped Pecans: The star crunchy topping—toast them slightly in butter for max flavor.
Maple Syrup: The finishing touch that ties everything together with natural sweetness.

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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.

Make It Your Way

While I adore pecans, I often switch things up based on the season or what’s in my pantry. This recipe lends itself beautifully to customization, whether that’s by using different nuts, bread, or even adding fresh fruit.

Nut Variation: I swapped pecans for walnuts once, and it gave a lovely earthy crunch that I really enjoyed—feel free to try almonds or hazelnuts too.
Fruit Addition: Adding a handful of fresh berries or sliced apples between the bread cubes before pouring the custard can add freshness and tartness.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for an allergy-friendly version that’s just as tasty.
Spice Swap: Feel free to add a sprinkle of cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a fun twist.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread

Start by greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or coconut oil to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick—this is key for that golden crust on the edges. Then, cube your challah bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. I like using slightly stale bread here; it soaks up the custard without turning gummy. Spread the cubes evenly in your greased dish.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard

In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt until it’s smooth and well combined. The trick is to get a nice balance—the spices should be noticeable but not overpowering. Pour this custard evenly over the bread, pressing lightly to make sure all pieces get soaked.

Step 3: Let It Sit (or Refrigerate)

If you have time, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight. This soak time really lets the bread absorb that custardy goodness so every bite is rich and tender. If you’re short on time, let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking—it’ll still turn out delicious.

Step 4: Topping and Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt butter and mix it with brown sugar, then drizzle this mixture over the casserole before sprinkling on the chopped pecans. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes until the topping is caramelized and crunchy and the custard’s mostly set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, I loosely cover with foil and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the casserole finish setting up and makes slicing so much easier. Serve warm with plenty of maple syrup on the side—this is where all those flavors really come alive!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve realized that a few little tricks take this Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips helped me avoid sogginess and uneven cooking, so I want to share them with you to make your baking foolproof.

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread soaks up custard too quickly and can get mushy; slightly stale bread holds its shape beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Whether overnight or 30 minutes, letting the bread soak is crucial for a nicely set custard.
Cover While Baking: The foil tent traps moisture and cooks the custard through, removing it later lets the topping brown without drying out the casserole.
Toast Pecans in Butter First: It adds warmth and brings out the nuts’ natural oils for a deeply flavorful crunchy topping.

How to Serve Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

French toast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of real maple syrup. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries on top to brighten the plate and add a pop of fresh flavor. Toasted coconut flakes also make a fun, unexpected crunch for nut lovers.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crisp bacon or juicy breakfast sausages for some savory contrast. A simple fruit salad or freshly brewed coffee rounds out the meal perfectly, making it ideal for lazy weekend mornings or brunch gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins instead of one big dish—it makes for a beautiful presentation and a personalized touch. Layering in thin apple slices or a swirl of cinnamon sugar inside the casserole before baking adds a festive flair that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors deepen after a day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions successfully by wrapping them well in foil and placing in freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The texture holds up surprisingly well, which is a lifesaver for busy mornings.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil to avoid drying out, about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works too in a pinch but can make the pecan topping a little chewy, so oven reheating is my favorite method.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than challah for this casserole?

Absolutely! While challah is ideal due to its texture and slight sweetness, you can use brioche, French bread, or even a sturdy whole wheat bread. Just make sure it’s a day or two old to avoid sogginess.

Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the eggs for a plant-based alternative like a flax or chia egg, choose a non-dairy milk (almond, oat, coconut), and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, but it’s still delicious!

How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?

You can refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. This overnight soak really intensifies the flavors and makes the custard creamy. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Can I prepare this recipe for a large crowd?

Definitely! You can easily double the recipe and use a larger baking dish, or bake it in two pans. It’s great for holidays or brunch parties since it’s easy to scale up and serve a crowd with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

This Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe has become my secret weapon for relaxed weekend mornings and special occasions alike. It combines comfort, ease, and that little bit of indulgence that makes everyone feel at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what twists you add—trust me, it’ll become a must-make in your house, too.