Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for weekend mornings or holiday brunches: Pioneer Woman’s French Toast Casserole. This dish takes the classic flavors of French toast and transforms them into a rich, custardy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With a crunchy, sweet topping and a soft, flavorful interior, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s get started!

What is Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole?

Pioneer Woman’s French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish made by layering chunks of bread in a baking dish and soaking them in a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices. The casserole is then topped with a sweet, buttery streusel and baked until golden and crispy on top while remaining soft and custardy inside. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for serving a crowd at breakfast or brunch.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Perfect for feeding a crowd: This casserole is great for family gatherings, brunches, or holiday mornings.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
Rich and indulgent: A combination of eggs, milk, and spices creates a custardy, decadent dish.

Sweet, crunchy topping: The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Customizable: Add fruits, nuts, or other toppings to make it your own.
Pioneer Woman’s touch: A recipe that reflects Ree Drummond’s warm, comforting cooking style.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole

For the Casserole:

1 loaf of crusty bread (such as French bread or challah), cut into cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Equipment

To make Pioneer Woman’s French Toast Casserole, you’ll need the following equipment:

9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
Mixing bowls: Whisk the egg mixture and prepare the streusel topping.

Whisk: For combining the ingredients.
Knife and cutting board: For cutting the bread into cubes.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.

Plastic wrap: To cover the casserole if making it ahead of time.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole

Prepare the bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Assemble the casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If you prefer a softer casserole, bake for a shorter time; for a firmer texture, bake longer.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream if desired.

Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole

Maple syrup: Drizzle with warm maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Fresh berries: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast.

Bacon or sausage: Serve with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory side.
Powdered sugar: Dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic touch.
Coffee or tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a complete breakfast experience.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole

Use day-old bread: Stale or day-old bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a firmer texture.
Soak overnight: For the best flavor and texture, soak the bread in the custard overnight.
Check the baking time: Adjust the baking time based on your preference for a softer or firmer casserole.

Customize the toppings: Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to the casserole or the topping.
Serve immediately: French Toast Casserole is best served warm, fresh out of the oven.

Variations of Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole

Berry French Toast Casserole: Add fresh or frozen berries to the bread before pouring the custard.

Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread before baking for a decadent twist.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: Add sliced apples and extra cinnamon to the casserole for a cozy, autumn-inspired dish.
Pecan Streusel French Toast Casserole: Mix chopped pecans into the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.

Savory French Toast Casserole: Omit the sugar and cinnamon, and add sautéed vegetables, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon for a savory version.

Storing Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole: Best Practices

Use an airtight container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate promptly: Keep the casserole chilled to maintain its freshness.

Use within 3-4 days: For the best taste and quality, consume within a few days.
Reheat gently: Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Reheating Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole: Best Practices

Oven reheating: Reheat individual portions or the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Microwave reheating: Microwave individual servings on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until heated to your liking.
Cover with foil: If reheating the entire casserole in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 350 kcal

Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g

Sodium: 350mg
Sugar: 20g

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole Healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman’s French Toast Casserole healthier, consider these simple adjustments:

Use whole grain bread: Swap out white bread for whole grain or whole wheat bread to increase fiber and nutrients.
Reduce the sugar: Cut back on the amount of sugar in the custard and topping, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Lower the fat: Substitute some or all of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative.

Add more fruit: Incorporate more fresh or frozen fruits into the casserole for added vitamins and natural sweetness.
Use less butter: Reduce the amount of butter in the topping, or use a healthier fat substitute.

FAQs

Can I make Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the French Toast Casserole the night before. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, add the topping and bake it fresh. This makes it a perfect option for busy mornings or holiday brunches.

Can I freeze Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze French Toast Casserole. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

What’s the best bread to use for French Toast Casserole?

The best bread for French Toast Casserole is a sturdy, crusty bread like French bread, challah, or brioche. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy.

How do I prevent French Toast Casserole from getting soggy?

To prevent French Toast Casserole from getting soggy, use day-old bread and ensure that the casserole is baked until the custard is fully set. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake the casserole uncovered for a longer time.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s French Toast Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With its rich, custardy interior and sweet, crunchy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because this easy and indulgent recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. Enjoy the warm, homemade goodness with every bite!

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