Baked French Toast Casserole

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Baked French Toast Casserole Baked French Toast Casserole

54321 Based on 137 Reviews

This yummy casserole is great for saying “Good morning” to company at breakfast.

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients Add to grocery list

dash salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoon sugar
1 cup milk
8   large eggs
2 cup half-and-half
Butter, for pan
1   loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Raspberry Syrup, recipe follows

Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2-teaspoon ground nutmeg

Raspberry Syrup:
1 cup raspberry preserves
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (recommended: Framboise)

Directions

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch thick each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9X13 casserole dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.

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. 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. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with Raspberry Syrup.

Praline Topping:
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread over bread as directed above.

Raspberry Syrup:
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir until warm and thinned out like syrup.

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Show: Paula's Home Cooking
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Reader Comments:

54321

I noticed the custard recipe here differs from one on the Food Network site in that it has double the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, and triple the amount of vanilla. During the video, Paula does mention the same amounts shown on the Food Network site.

By Kay on January 09, 2012

43211

Has anyone tried it with pre-cooked bacon under the praline topping?

By Barb Parker on January 09, 2012

54321

Paula, THANK YOU , I made this recipe for New Years 2012 and everyone loved it. As soon as they saw the butter all warm and melted they knew it before I could say anything that this was a Paula Dean Recipe. What a great way to start off the New Year. Best of All the New Year has to offer to you and your family. Thanks, Rebecca

By Rebecca on January 01, 2012

54321

Hi Lisa. This recipe is not in any of the cookbooks.

By Lisa the Admin on December 28, 2011

54321

PERFECT Christmas breakfast! I substituted eggnog for half of the half-and-half just to give it a Christmasy aura. Based on the earlier reviews, after letting the bread soak overnight, I dumped out half of the egg mixture before baking so it would not be soggy. It puffed up and was amazing: "As good as any restaurant," said my husband!

By Sarah on December 26, 2011

54321

Kimberly, you are going to let one "failed" recipe stop you from trying new dishes?! Maybe you should stay out of the kitchen if it bothers you and your children so much. It's only food... I thought this recipe was perfect. Loved the bread pudding texture!

By Sarah D. on December 24, 2011

54321

On the recipe for the baked french toast casserole, for the praline topping, is the butter softened or melted?

By Virginia on December 22, 2011

54321

5 star. A HUGE hit. Which cookbook is this particular recipe in? I'd like to give the cookbook as a gift.

By Lisa on December 06, 2011

54321

this is delicious Paula I cook your recipes because we don't eat like this every day and they are a nice treat. would you ever consider a give away for a few people to go on your cruise. I would love to go and at least that would give me a chance since at this time i can't afford to go but would love to be there with your crew.

By Kathleen O'Brien on December 04, 2011

54321

We love this recipe. In fact, I've got a batch in the oven right now (24 mins left!) Can't wait to wake up the fam for breakfast. So, a couple thoughts. First, I've made this both the night before and the morning of. It's great both ways. If you decide one morning you want this, you can still go for it. Second, for those who say it is too mushy I suggest that you soak your bread slices like you would if you were making french toast rather than pouring the egg mixture over the top. We like the mushy, bread pudding consistency, but if that bothers you then you have too much of the egg mixture in the bottom of the baking dish not getting fully absorbed by the bread. Thanks Paula for the recipe. Good stuff!

By Chris M. on December 03, 2011

43211

Made this last night. Decadent and fine without syrup. This is more like a bread pudding; so expect it to be mushy in the middle. The topping more than makes up for sweetness needed. I did bake @ 350 for 60 minutes; it was puffed up and fragrant. Great left overs; We love bread pudding, and I make several different recipes; this is right up there with the best.

By mary kay cunnings on October 27, 2011

14321

Paula- I tried this becuase I wanted to do something special for my children and husband. I made this recipe just as it stated and after and hour cooking it was still mushy in the middle. I know that most people must have a cooking degree or maybe they just know to adjust a recipe however I followed the dirctions and well what happened it was RAW in middle still. My kids were so upset becuase I really was excited about this reciepe. I see that others wrote reviews on how to fix it but I figured who and I to change what a chef does. I think that you are great but I am so dissappointed and so were the kids with this receipe. In the future I am not sure that I will try something before someone else makes it.

By Kimberly Glena on October 16, 2011

54321

Paula you are awesome... love to hear you talk. Remind me of my Mother God bless her soul. Parents were from Ky. U knida look like my Mother. You bring such heart warmed feelings to me when I watch your show... The things you been thru.. You give me such great hope.. God Bless You! I feel the warmth from you like Im with her... you are a blessing to me thank u so much.

By La Donna Van Belle on October 08, 2011

54321

I haven't tried this recipe from Paula Deene but it looks(& probably taste just as wounderful) & I'm willing to give it a try .....Thanks sooooo much Paula. I'm LOVING you and your "BOYS" tooo.

By Art Edmiston on October 07, 2011

54321

How can I dry my fresh herbs I have looked everywhere and can find no help. Thank you so much in advance Carolyn graham

By Carolyn graham on October 07, 2011

54321

This rocks!

By Assface McGee on October 01, 2011

54321

Made this for our soon to be Daughter-in-Laws's Bridal Shower Brunch. Everyone loved It! You really have to make sure all the bread gets soaked in the egg mixture. So easy because you prepare it the night before and then just pop it in the oven about 45 min. before the guests arrive. The Praline topping really makes this taste great! I will definitely make this a regular breakfast treat. Thank you for this awesome recipe!

By Brenda Lapaglia on September 09, 2011

54321

I went right by this rec. but my bread was really soggie. Can you tell me why it was this way. Right now I'm baking it off longer to try and take care of this problem. The topping was wonderful,it's just that the liquid didn't do like I saw her make in her video. Thank you Jeanie

By JEANIE on September 02, 2011

54321

Can you use strawberry preserves instead of the raspberry preserves. Thanks Debbie

By debbie brucks on August 17, 2011

54321

This recipe is terrific. I have been making this for a few years now and everybody that has it loves it. My 3 1/2 year old son is very picky and he loves it. I make this every year for christmas morning breakfast and I will continue to. It's great and so are you. Love your recipes. Thank you.

By Cindy on August 15, 2011

I like your food sead me some of your recipes

By Crystal Clevenger hatton on April 20, 2010

This is a great feature for those of us who like to cook healthy, great addition to the website!

By Sharon on January 10, 2010

Sounds good for brunch, thanks.

By Lynn on January 06, 2010

If making for adults, I add two T of brandy.  Wow, say my guests.

By marzi on January 06, 2010

Can’t wait to try this receipe. Sounds so delicious. I see more cooking in my kitchen with these new Bobby Lightens It Up receipes. What a great way to start a new year! THANKS!

By Lynn on January 05, 2010

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