Easy Make-Ahead Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a game-changer for holiday breakfasts and weekend brunches. Requiring only 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your morning. Topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that everyone will love. Prepare it the night before for a stress-free Thanksgiving or Christmas morning!
Imagine waking up on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning and not having to worry about making breakfast from scratch. With this baked pumpkin French toast casserole, you can prepare it the evening before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven and enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast with your loved ones. This make-ahead option is a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons.
This recipe is a delightful fusion of classic pumpkin French toast and a comforting bread pudding. Cubes of bread are soaked in a rich, six-ingredient pumpkin custard, infusing every bite with warm, autumnal flavors. It’s absolutely delicious on its own, drizzled with maple syrup, or served alongside crispy (or candied) bacon for a delightful salty and sweet contrast. The versatility of this casserole makes it a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a Make-Ahead Breakfast: This pumpkin French toast casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning, saving you precious time during busy holidays or on rushed weekday mornings. Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked breakfast with minimal effort.
- Serves a Crowd: This recipe comfortably feeds six people, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch with friends. If you’re expecting a larger group, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in two separate baking dishes simultaneously.
- It’s Incredibly Easy: This recipe involves simply tossing bread cubes in a simple pumpkin custard, pouring the mixture into a baking dish, and baking. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a hassle-free breakfast option.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Greasing the baking dish with butter prevents the French toast from sticking and ensures clean, easy-to-serve slices. The butter also adds a subtle richness to the bottom of the casserole.
- Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree is the heart of this recipe, providing the signature autumnal flavor and a creamy texture. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and spice levels.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and creates the base of the custard that soaks into the bread. It also contributes to the richness of the casserole. You can substitute with other types of milk or even heavy cream for an extra decadent treat.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure to the casserole. They help the French toast hold its shape and ensure you get clean, even slices.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar adds a hint of sweetness to complement the pumpkin and spices. Granulated sugar is recommended, but you can also use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend is crucial for achieving the full-on fall flavor we crave. Pumpkin pie spice typically consists of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Feel free to create your own spice mixture if you have these spices on hand.
- Bread Cubes: You can’t have French toast without bread! Ideally, use bread with a thicker crust, such as sourdough or a French baguette, as this will prevent the bread from becoming too mushy after soaking in the custard.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a touch of warmth to the casserole. Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best results.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is the perfect topping for this Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. Drizzle as little or as much as you like to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations or Substitutions
- Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can easily adapt this recipe by using oat milk in place of the milk and coconut oil or vegan butter to grease the baking dish. Ensure that your bread is also dairy-free for a completely dairy-free casserole.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence, add chocolate chips to the bread pudding mixture before baking. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips would all be delicious additions.
- Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spice combinations to customize the flavor profile of your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. Try adding a pinch of cardamom, star anise, or even a dash of chili powder for a unique twist.
- Incorporate Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the bread mixture for added texture and flavor. Toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. This ensures the French toast won’t stick and allows for easy removal after baking.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the Cubed Bread: Add the cubed bread to the mixing bowl and stir gently until the bread is thoroughly coated with the pumpkin custard. Make sure every piece of bread is soaked in the mixture for the best flavor and texture.
- Bake: Pour the bread mixture and any leftover liquid into the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Remove the baked casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly, then spoon it onto plates. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and top with pomegranate seeds for a burst of flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Save your butter wrappers! They often have just enough butter residue on them to grease baking pans effectively. Store butter wrappers in a bag in the freezer for future use.
Kelly’s Recipe Tips
- Have Fun with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to personalize your Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. A dusting of powdered sugar, fresh pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup are a classic combination. The juicy seeds add a pop of color and flavor that complements the warm, autumnal flavors.
- Use Different Bread: While sourdough or French baguette are recommended for their texture and ability to absorb custard, any type of bread will work in this recipe. Consider using croissants for an extra flaky and buttery casserole.
- For the Pomegranate: Extracting pomegranate seeds can be messy. To easily remove the seeds, slice the pomegranate in half. Fill a medium bowl with water and submerge half of the pomegranate, using your hands to gently open the pomegranate and separate the seeds. The seeds will sink to the bottom, making them easy to remove from the water.
- Make it Ahead: For a truly effortless breakfast, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake as directed for a warm and comforting breakfast without the morning rush.
Storage Tips
This make-ahead baked pumpkin French toast casserole can be prepped the night before, stashed (covered) in the fridge overnight, and baked in the morning. Just let the dish come to room temperature as the oven preheats for even baking.
You can also store the baked casserole covered in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to serve it. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast or dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you soak French toast in?
This French toast casserole is soaked in a pumpkin custard made with pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures a moist and flavorful casserole.
How long do you reheat a French toast casserole?
To prevent drying out, reheat the casserole at 325°F (160°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until warmed through.
Should you dry out bread for French toast casserole?
Drying out the bread can help it absorb more liquid without becoming too mushy. However, if using bread with a tougher crust, such as sourdough or baguette, skipping the drying step is fine.
More Fall Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- The Best Pumpkin Bread
- Healthy Breakfast Cookies
- Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
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Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
Kelly Senyei
