Name: Overnight Praline French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: FOR FRENCH TOAST:; 6 large eggs; 2½ cups half & half; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 1 loaf bread; For Praline Topping:; 8 tbsp butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup pecan; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 pinch ground nutmeg; 1 pinch salt; 1 maple syrup

This sumptuous take on French toast is an absolute delight. It's not your ordinary breakfast, and the magic happens overnight! The luscious praline topping makes it truly indulgent. This recipe is perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions.

Photos of Overnight Praline French Toast Recipe

This recipe calls for a type of bread that can absorb the egg mixture without disintegrating. French bread or a sturdy white loaf would work best. You might also need to make a trip to the store for half & half, a blend of equal parts whole milk and cream, and a staple in many baking recipes. Additionally, pecans form the base of the praline topping. You could substitute with another nut if you prefer, but pecans are traditional for praline.

Ingredients for Overnight Praline French Toast

Eggs: The binder for the French toast, providing structure and richness.

Half & half: This dairy blend makes the egg mixture creamy.

Brown sugar: Adds a sweet, molasses-like flavor to both the French toast and the praline topping.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness of the dish.

Bread: The base of the French toast, it soaks up the egg mixture overnight.

Butter: Gives the praline topping its richness and buttery flavor.

Pecans: Gives the praline its signature crunch and nuttiness.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor. Used in both the French toast and the praline topping.

Ground nutmeg: A warm spice, used sparingly to accentuate the flavors.

Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the dish.

Maple syrup: The traditional topping for French toast. Its sweetness complements the nutty praline.

One reader, Carmelle Lemke says:

This overnight praline French toast recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and indulgent, and the prep is so easy. It's a hit with my family every time. The praline topping adds the perfect crunch, and the maple syrup ties it all together. A must-try for breakfast lovers!

Carmelle Lemke

Key Techniques for Crafting Overnight Praline French Toast

How to prepare the praline topping: Combine the butter, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl and stir to combine. This will create a delicious praline topping for the French toast.

How to refrigerate overnight: After pouring the egg mixture over the bread in the baking dish, cover the dish with foil and place it in the refrigerator. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors and moisture, resulting in a delicious French toast the next day.

How to serve with maple syrup: Once the French toast is baked, serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness and enhance the flavors.

How To Make Overnight Praline French Toast

Wake up to a delightful breakfast with the flavor of cinnamon added to this overnight praline French toast that is baked to golden, fluffy perfection!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For French Toast:

6large eggs
2½cupshalf & half
2tbspbrown sugar
2tspvanilla extract
1pinchsalt
1loaf bread,brioche or challah, sliced 1-inch thick

For Praline Topping:

8tbspbutter,melted
1cupbrown sugar
1cuppecan,chopped
1tspground cinnamon
1pinchground nutmeg
1pinchsalt
1maple syrup,to serve

Instructions

In a large bowl, add the eggs, half & half, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.
Line the bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour the egg mixture over the bread.
Cover the baking dish in foil and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a bowl, add the butter, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and remove the foil. Top the French toast with the praline, and place the foil back on.
Bake for about 40 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until puffed and slightly golden.
Serve with maple syrup, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 734.66kcal
Fat: 45.67g
Saturated Fat: 20.03g
Trans Fat: 0.66g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.28g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.49g
Carbohydrates: 66.10g
Fiber: 4.38g
Sugar: 36.21g
Protein: 17.85g
Cholesterol: 264.02mg
Sodium: 496.58mg
Calcium: 263.36mg
Potassium: 428.11mg
Iron: 3.83mg
Vitamin A: 307.87µg
Vitamin C: 1.23mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Overnight Praline French Toast

To ensure that the French toast absorbs the egg mixture evenly, it's best to use day-old bread. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes before soaking. This will help the bread soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Decadent French Toast Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the praline topping the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning.

Use pre-sliced bread: Opt for pre-sliced bread to skip the step of slicing the bread loaf, saving you time and effort.

Bake in advance: If you're short on time in the morning, bake the French toast the night before and reheat it in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.

Organize ingredients: Before you start, gather all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Multi-task: While the French toast is baking, use that time to prepare other elements of your breakfast or get a head start on cleaning up.

Substitute Ingredients For Overnight Praline French Toast Recipe

half & half - Substitute with whole milk and heavy cream: Whole milk and heavy cream can be combined to create a similar richness and creaminess to half & half.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar.
pecan - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich and nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for pecans in praline topping.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor as maple syrup in the praline topping.

Essential Tools for Making the Perfect Praline French Toast

Large bowl: A large bowl is essential for mixing and combining ingredients, especially for recipes that require a significant amount of liquid or dry ingredients.
Whisk: A whisk is used for blending and mixing ingredients together, ensuring a smooth and uniform texture.
9x13-inch baking dish: This baking dish is ideal for making casseroles, baked desserts, and other dishes, providing ample space for the ingredients to cook evenly.
Foil: Foil is used to cover the baking dish, helping to retain moisture and heat while the dish is refrigerated and baked.
Oven: An oven is necessary for baking the praline French toast to perfection, providing the right amount of heat for even cooking.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for serving and transferring the French toast from the baking dish to the serving plates.
Knife: A knife is needed for slicing the bread and chopping ingredients such as pecans for the praline topping.

Storing and Freezing Overnight Praline French Toast: A Guide

Let the french toast cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For freezing, wrap individual portions of the cooled french toast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated leftovers, place the desired portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
To reheat frozen french toast, remove the plastic wrap and place the portion on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat frozen portions in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For best results, consume the reheated french toast immediately, as it may become soggy if left to sit for too long.
If you plan to freeze the entire dish, it's best to do so before baking. Assemble the french toast as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake as directed in the recipe.

How To Reheat Leftover Overnight Praline French Toast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover french toast in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the french toast from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the french toast in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on the wire rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy method, you can use a microwave. Place a slice of french toast on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as the french toast can become soggy.
If you have a few slices to reheat, you can use a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the french toast slices and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.
For a special touch, you can add a fresh drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the reheated french toast. This will enhance the flavor and make it taste like it's freshly made.

Surprising Fact About Overnight Praline French Toast

The French toast recipe is a delightful way to repurpose day-old bread, reducing food waste.

Is Making Praline French Toast at Home Cost-Effective?

Based on the cost of ingredients and the serving size, this recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The use of common pantry items and simple preparation make it budget-friendly. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, delicious flavor, and ease of preparation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal.

Is Overnight Praline French Toast Healthy or Unhealthy?

This overnight praline french toast recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in calories, fat, and sugar, with ingredients like half & half, butter, and brown sugar contributing to its indulgent nature. The use of white bread also means that the recipe lacks fiber and essential nutrients.

However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste:

Swap the half & half for a lower-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk
Reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar in the praline topping, or replace some of the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey
Use a whole grain bread instead of white bread to increase the fiber content
Add fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries, to the dish for added nutrients and natural sweetness
Serve the french toast with a side of plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and to balance out the sweetness of the praline topping

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a more nutritious version of this decadent breakfast treat without compromising on flavor. Remember, moderation is key, and it's perfectly fine to indulge in a more decadent version of this dish occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion: Why Overnight Praline French Toast is a Must-Try

This overnight praline French toast recipe is a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures. The custard-soaked bread creates a lusciously creamy base, while the praline topping adds a satisfying crunch and sweetness. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a decadent and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish. The use of brown sugar, pecans, and spices in the praline topping adds a warm and comforting element, making this recipe a surefire crowd-pleaser. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch. It's a fantastic make-ahead option for special occasions or leisurely weekend mornings.

Enhance Your Overnight Praline French Toast Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus: Try serving with a side of roasted asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze for a savory and tangy contrast to the sweet praline french toast.

Grilled Pineapple: For a tropical twist, grill some pineapple slices and serve alongside the praline french toast for a refreshing and juicy accompaniment.

Bacon-wrapped Dates: Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and savory by serving bacon-wrapped dates as a side dish to complement the rich flavors of the praline french toast.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up your taste buds with a creamy butternut squash soup, providing a velvety and comforting contrast to the decadent sweetness of the praline french toast.

Delicious Alternatives to Overnight Praline French Toast

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and flavorful herbs and spices. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: This zesty lemon chicken recipe is bursting with bright and tangy flavors. The chicken is marinated in a delicious lemon and herb mixture, then grilled to perfection for a light and refreshing meal.

Fresh Berry Salad: This fresh berry salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that's perfect for summer. It's made with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Ideal Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with This French Toast Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, they are sure to impress your guests with their rich and flavorful taste.

Bruschetta: Fresh and vibrant, this classic Italian appetizer is a great way to start any meal. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar on crispy bread is a burst of flavor in every bite.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying, this classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser. The tender chicken and al dente pasta are coated in a rich, velvety sauce that's made from scratch. It's the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef, savory mushrooms, and onions come together in a luscious, sour cream-based sauce. Served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, this hearty and flavorful dish is a timeless favorite. It's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.

Why trust this Overnight Praline French Toast Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The combination of brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon in the praline topping creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The use of half & half adds a creamy texture, while the overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a truly decadent dish. With the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, this french toast is sure to impress and satisfy anyone looking for a special breakfast treat.

Want to share your experience making this Overnight Praline French Toast Recipe or discuss variations and serving suggestions? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread to add your own twist to the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight, then simply bake it in the morning.

Can I substitute the half & half with another type of milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream as a substitute for half & half.

Can I omit the pecans from the praline topping?

Of course! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use pecans, you can omit them from the praline topping and still enjoy a delicious French toast.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month. Simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a quick and delicious breakfast.