French Toast Casserole

 T'is the season to entertain. When I have company, I like to serve something special that will keep me from spending too much time in the kitchen and  taking me away from guests. My go-to-brunch is French Toast Casserole. This decadent casserole is easy to make and allows me to spend time with my guests. I can make it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and serve it for brunch. 

                                                                        French Toast Casserole

                                                                          

Ingredients

10 cups challah bread, cut in cubes

8 large eggs

1 1/2 whole milk or oat milk, such as Willa's Oat Milk

1 1/2 cups half and half

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons Kahlua liqueur, optional 

pinch of salt

 

Crumble Topping

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup packed brown sugar 

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

pinch of salt

Directions

Generously butter a 9 x 13 baking pan.

Arrange challah in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.

Whisk together 8 large eggs, milk, half and half, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, vanilla extract, and Kahlua in a large bowl until combined.

Pour the custard over the challah and press the challah down into the custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. 

Make the crumble topping. Toss together the pecans, brown sugar, , nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the softened butter and incorporate until it forms into small clumps. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

While the oven is preheating, remove the French Toast Casserole from the refrigerate, uncover, and set aside at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the casserole. Bake until the casserole is golden brown, puffed, and set, around 50-55 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool for 5-10 minutes. Top with confectioners sugar and or maple syrup. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.

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