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- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional) - 1/2 cup maple syrup (for drizzling) - Powdered sugar (for garnish) This dish starts with the right bread. I love using brioche or challah. They soak up the mix well and stay soft. You need four large eggs. They help bind everything together. Whole milk adds creaminess and richness. The pumpkin puree gives it that warm, fall flavor. Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. The spices are key! Use cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. They make your casserole smell amazing. Don't forget a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. If you want a crunch, add chopped pecans. They bring texture and taste. Lastly, maple syrup drizzled on top makes each bite special. Powdered sugar adds a nice touch for presentation. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a tasty Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. 1. Prepping the oven and baking dish First, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it well. Using butter or non-stick spray helps to stop the casserole from sticking. 2. Distributing the bread cubes Next, I cut the loaf of brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. I spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Each piece should have enough space to soak up the mixture well. 3. Mixing the pumpkin mixture In a big bowl, I whisk together four large eggs, two cups of whole milk, and one cup of canned pumpkin puree. I add ½ cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla, one teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. I mix until it is smooth and well combined. 1. Pouring the mixture over the bread I carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes. I make sure every cube gets coated. If I want a crunchy touch, I sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans on top. 2. Refrigeration time details I cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Then, I place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, I often let it chill overnight. 1. Baking time and temperature After chilling, I take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, I bake it in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. It's ready when the top turns golden and the center feels set. 2. Cooling instructions Once it’s baked, I let the casserole cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. Then, I cut it into squares and serve it warm! A drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar makes it even better. To enhance the flavor of your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, consider these tips: - Add a pinch of salt: It brings out the sweetness in the pumpkin and spices. - Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can boost the flavor. - Mix in chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bread. For storage, you can keep leftovers in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap. When serving, the right toppings make all the difference: - Maple syrup: Drizzle it generously over each square for a sweet touch. - Powdered sugar: A light dusting adds a nice look and a hint of sweetness. - Chopped pecans: Sprinkle these on top for extra crunch and flavor. Pair this casserole with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a complete meal. You might also serve it with crispy bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness. {{image_4}} You can switch up the bread. Try using sourdough or whole grain bread. Each type adds a unique taste. Brioche is rich and soft, while challah is slightly sweet. Both work well for this casserole. For those with dietary needs, go for dairy-free milk like almond or oat. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan option. Gluten-free bread is also a great way to make this dish suitable for everyone. Just make sure it's sturdy enough to hold the mixture. Adding fruits or nuts can really enhance this dish. Consider mixing in sliced bananas or fresh apples. They add flavor and sweetness to the casserole. Chopped pecans give a nice crunch too. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking. Experimenting with spices is fun! Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra depth. You can even mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Each addition can change the whole feel of the dish, making it exciting to try new flavors. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the casserole is cool before sealing. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it, reheat individual portions in the microwave. You can also warm the whole dish in the oven. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into squares for easy portions. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. This keeps all the tasty flavors intact! How do I reheat leftover casserole? To reheat your leftover casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the casserole into pieces. Place the pieces in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Prepare the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can keep it in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors. If you want to bake it the next day, just remember to let it sit for 10 minutes at room temp before baking. What can I serve with Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole? This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. Fresh fruit adds a nice touch. Consider serving berries, bananas, or sliced apples. You can also offer sausage or bacon for a savory contrast. A sprinkle of whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt makes it extra special too! This blog post showed how to make a delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. You learned about the ingredients, like brioche, spices, and optional add-ons. We covered each step, from preparation to baking, along with tips to enhance flavor. You can also explore variations and storage options. Now, you can enjoy this warm dish any time. It’s perfect for family meals or special occasions. Embrace your creativity and make it uniquely yours!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole! Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy recipe combines brioche bread, pumpkin puree, and warm spices into a comforting dish that will wow your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a festive feast. Click through to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds this season!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

1/2 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)

Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    Evenly distribute the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out so that each piece has room to soak in the mixture.

      In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.

        Carefully pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring each piece is coated and soaked. For an additional crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if using.

          Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For an even richer flavor, consider refrigerating it overnight.

            Before baking, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take off the chill.

              Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the center feels set when gently shaken.

                Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly on a wire rack before cutting it into squares for serving.

                  Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful, festive finish.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving or garnishing each plate with a few pecan halves for an attractive touch. Enjoy the seasonal flavors!