Paula Deen's Baked French Toast Casserole
"This one is a killer. I have served this may time for a brunch or for overnight guests. The prep time does NOT include the overnight soak time required in the recipe."
Original is 7 servings
Ingredients
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- FOR PRALINE TOPPING
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Why is my baked French toast soggy?
Soggy French toast casserole usually happens when you have too much dairy in the ingredients. The egg will not cook through and your French toast casserole will be soggy. You do want your Paula Deen French toast casserole to be crispy on the outside with rich and custard flavors of cinnamon and sugar. If you do not have vanilla extract try using an equal amount of real maple syrup and top off with fresh berries. This is a perfect casserole dish for Christmas morning or as a once in a while breakfast casserole.
Can French Toast Casserole be reheated?
This Paula Deen French Toast Casserole can be in the fridge for 3 days. Microwave individual portions 45 to 60 seconds. Or warm the French toast casserole in oven at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
Can you make French toast with stale bread?
Slightly stale bread is perfect for making this paula deen french toast casserole. Stale bread will absorb the egg mixture better as it has less more moisture. Consider slightly toasting the fresh bread first.
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1 inch thick.
Step 2
Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9x13-inch baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping slices.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half and half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with wire whisk until well blended.
Step 4
Pour mixture over bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with egg mixture.
Step 5
Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Be sure that all slices are soaked
Step 6
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Step 7
The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 8
Praline topping and spread it evenly over bread
Step 9
Bake for 40 minutes, until puffed up and lightly golden brown.
Step 10
Serve with maple syrup.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 (308.4 g), Calories 841.2, Total Fat - 53.8 g, Saturated Fat - 25.6 g, Cholesterol - 337.2 mg, Sodium - 705.1 mg, Total Carbohydrate - 74.4 g, Dietary Fiber - 3 g, Sugars - 41.1 g, Protein - 19.1 g, Calcium - 195 mg, Iron - 3.5 mg, Vitamin C - 0.9 mg, Thiamin - 0.4 mg.Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting the French bread, choose a loaf that is 1-2 days old, as it will be easier to cut and will absorb the egg mixture better.
- If you don't have light brown sugar for the praline topping, you can use dark brown sugar instead.
- Substitute almond milk for the half-and-half cream for a lower-fat option. The benefit of this substitution is that it reduces the overall fat content of the recipe while still providing a creamy texture.
- Substitute walnuts for the pecans for a nuttier flavor. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a deeper nutty flavor to the praline topping, making it even more delicious.
Tropical Praline French Toast Casserole Replace the pecans in the praline topping with macadamia nuts, and replace the nutmeg and cinnamon with a teaspoon of ground ginger and a teaspoon of ground cardamom. Serve with a tropical fruit compote instead of maple syrup.
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing.
RECOMMENDED DISH DESCRIPTION: This light and refreshing fruit salad with a honey lime dressing is the perfect accompaniment to Paula Deen's Praline French Toast Casserole. The sweetness of the dressing complements the sweetness of the casserole, while the citrusy flavor of the dressing provides a nice contrast.
Savory Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: This savory side dish is the perfect complement to the sweet fruit salad. The salty bacon adds a delicious flavor to the asparagus, and the crunch of the bacon provides a nice contrast to the soft fruit. It's a great way to balance out the sweetness of the Praline French Toast Casserole.
FAQ
Q: How long should the French toast casserole sit in the fridge overnight?
A: The French toast casserole should sit in the fridge overnight for at least 8 hours. This allows the bread to soak up all the egg mixture and become nice and soft.
Q: What type of bread is best for making French toast casserole?
A: Challah or brioche bread are the best types of bread for making French toast casserole. These breads are denser and have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the egg mixture.
3 Reviews
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Fun facts:
Paula Deen is a famous American chef and restaurateur who is well-known for her Southern cooking. Her Praline French Toast Casserole recipe is a classic example of her signature style.
The pecans used in the Praline French Toast Casserole recipe are native to the Southern United States and have been a part of the region's cuisine since the early 1800s. They are a key ingredient in many traditional Southern dishes.