Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep the Dish & Bread
- Generously grease a 9x13" baking dish to prevent sticking. Cut your chosen bread (brioche, challah, French, or white bread) into 1-inch chunks and arrange them evenly in the prepared pan. Stale bread works best.
Prepare the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly until completely broken down and slightly frothy. Add the heavy cream, milk, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and the custard is consistent.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently toss the bread to ensure every piece is coated and saturated, then spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight for optimal absorption and flavor development.
Craft the Signature Brown Butter Pecan Streusel
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until well blended.
- In a small saucepan, gently brown 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it turns a rich amber color and emits a distinct nutty aroma. Let the browned butter cool slightly.
- Add the cooled browned butter to the sugar and spice mixture. If desired, add a handful of toasted pecans. Use a pastry blender or your hands to combine these ingredients until a beautiful, crumbly streusel forms. Cover this topping and refrigerate until morning.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Uncover the casserole and generously sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the entire surface. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the casserole is set in the center.
Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the French toast to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This cooling period is crucial for the custard to fully set. Then, top with homemade syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite serving suggestions.
Nutrition
Notes
For the best results, always use day-old or slightly stale bread to prevent a soggy casserole. Bake the dish straight from the fridge—no need to bring it to room temperature. Allow at least 10 minutes of cooling time after baking for the custard to fully set before serving. Ensure you generously grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and avoid overmixing the streusel for a perfectly crumbly topping. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.