There's something so comforting about waking up to a warm, cozy breakfast like this Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe. It fills the house with that sweet cinnamon aroma and combines soft, custardy bread with crunchy pecan goodness—truly the breakfast of champions on a relaxed morning.

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

I’ve made this easy French toast casserole more times than I can count, mostly for those mornings when friends come over and everyone wants something special but fuss-free. What makes this dish stand out for me is how effortlessly it manages to feel indulgent without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Simple Prep: Just toss the ingredients together and let it soak—a total time-saver that feels like homemade magic.
Perfect Texture: The combo of soft challah cubes soaked in custard alongside crunchy pecans gives every bite a wonderful contrast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before, and your morning just got a whole lot easier—no scrambling!
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike keep asking for seconds, which says a lot about how approachable and tasty this casserole is.

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

This Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe shines because of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Using challah bread is a game changer, and choosing good-quality vanilla and fresh spices makes a noticeable difference.

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, slightly sweet crumb soaks up the custard wonderfully and bakes to a tender, custardy interior.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness that’s key to that custard-like texture everyone loves.
Milk: Helps create the creamy custard, but you can swap in half-and-half for an even richer result.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Vanilla extract: A must for that comforting aroma and smooth flavor that ties everything together.
Cinnamon & nutmeg: Classic warming spices that bring a little spice and nostalgia to this dish.
Pecans: Toasty, crunchy topping that adds a delightful texture contrast and nutty flavor.
Butter or coconut oil: Makes the topping beautifully golden and keeps it from sticking, plus a lovely richness.
Maple syrup: The perfect finishing touch for drizzling over, balancing the spice and sweetness.

📝

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

I always like to mix it up depending on the season or who's coming for breakfast. This casserole is an awesome blank canvas, so feel free to toss in your favorite extras or make dietary swaps that work for your crew.

Nut Variation: I’ve tried swapping pecans for walnuts or pecans mixed with sliced almonds—each brings a different crunch and flavor profile that’s equally delicious.
Fruit Add-In: Toss in fresh or frozen berries between bread layers right before baking for a burst of color and freshness.
Dairy-Free: Using coconut oil and almond milk in place of butter and cow’s milk keeps this recipe just as tasty but perfect for dairy sensitivities.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute your favorite gluten-free bread—though I recommend a sturdy loaf so it holds up to soaking well.

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 unsalted butter or coconut oil. I like to use butter for the incredibly rich flavor. Then, cut your challah into roughly 1-inch cubes—challah that’s a day or two old works best because it soaks up that custard without falling apart.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until everything is smooth and combined. I find whisking for a full minute really helps to incorporate the sugar and spices evenly.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in your baking dish. Every cube should be coated. If you have time, cover and refrigerate overnight for the best soak. If not, just let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes—that’s the minimum I recommend so each bite is beautifully custardy.

Step 4: Add the Pecan Topping and Bake

Drizzle melted butter over the soaked bread, then sprinkle the brown sugar and chopped pecans on top. Cover the dish with foil, pop it in a 350°F oven, and bake covered for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and keep baking for another 10 to 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the custard is just set—not dry.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked, give the casserole a loose tent of foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. It helps the custard finish cooking gently and makes slicing cleaner. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup for that perfect finish.

Top Tip

From my experience, getting the soak time right is the secret to the best texture in this casserole. I’ve learned the hard way that rushing it leads to dry, uneven custard—and no one wants that!

Overnight Soak: I highly recommend making this the night before so the bread fully absorbs the custard—but if you're short on time, 30 minutes at room temp can work.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and milk straight from the fridge can make the custard harder to fully meld; I let mine come to room temp before whisking.
Topping Timing: Add your pecan topping fresh right before baking to keep those nuts perfectly crunchy, not soggy.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye during that last uncovered baking stage so it doesn’t dry out—casserole should be set but still juicy!

How to Serve Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

French toast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically keep it simple and just add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Sometimes, I throw on a handful of fresh berries or sliced bananas to brighten things up—and honestly, it looks so pretty and fresh that way! A sprig of mint can really lift the presentation, too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage links for some savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or simple yogurt parfait keeps the meal feeling light and fresh. Also, a hot cup of coffee or tea is practically a must-have alongside this sweet, nutty dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made a brunch spread by baking this casserole in mini ramekins for individual servings—it was such a hit at my book club! You can also serve it buffet-style with lots of toppings so everyone customizes their plate: think chopped nuts, whipped cream, assorted syrups, and fresh fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers refrigerate nicely covered for up to 3 days. I like to store mine in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Reheat gently so it doesn’t get rubbery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before by wrapping it tightly in foil and then placing it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the custard moist and the pecans crisp. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the texture a bit rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than challah for this casserole?

Absolutely! While challah is ideal for its texture and sweetness, you can use brioche, French bread, or even a sturdy sandwich loaf. Just avoid very soft sliced bread as it may become too mushy. Stale or day-old bread soaks up the custard better and holds its shape well.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe up to 24 hours in advance. After assembling and pouring the custard over the bread, cover and refrigerate overnight. This helps the bread soak up more custard for a creamier texture and less hands-on morning prep.

How do I keep the pecans crunchy on top?

To keep the pecans crunchy, add them just before baking rather than soaking them in the custard. Also, baking uncovered during the last 10-20 minutes helps toast them nicely. If you're making this ahead, don't cover the pecan topping tightly to avoid moisture buildup.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for coconut oil and replace the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk. These substitutions work well and still produce a delicious, moist casserole with lots of flavor. Just use unsweetened versions to control sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. Its ease, comforting flavors, and crowd-pleasing crunch make it a winner every time—whether it's a holiday morning or a chill weekend brunch. I can’t recommend it enough; you’re going to love the way it fills your kitchen with warmth and your belly with happiness.