# Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Introduction
There’s no better way to welcome fall than indulging in a plate of Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. This dish brings together everyone’s favorite comforting bread pudding and the classic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves from your beloved pumpkin spice.
## Why Make This Recipe
This Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is an easy and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of autumn. Make it for a comforting breakfast or brunch and delight in every speck of pumpkin goodness. It also perfect for holiday gatherings, taking minimal prep time and leaving your oven available for other dishes!
## How to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Bake Time: 45 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour
– Servings: 8
## Ingredients
A simple yet flavourful dish, here’s what you would need:
– 1 loaf of French bread (about 12-14 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
## Directions
Follow these steps to create this warming dish:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until you get a smooth mixture.
4. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure that each piece is well coated. Sprinkle with pecans if you wish.
5. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the mixture.
6. Bake the dish covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp.
7. Serve the dish warm, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
## How to Serve Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Best served warm, this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole is perfectly complemented by a liberal drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Warm coffee or cider makes for a perfect pairing.
## How to Store Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Leftovers? No problem. Store cooled down Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
## Tips to Make Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
1. For a richer flavor, try using whole milk or even a mix of half cream, half milk.
2. Use day-old bread if possible, as it absorbs the egg mixture better.
3. If your blend of pumpkin spice lacks ground cloves, make sure to add a pinch in.
## Variation (if any)
Add your favorite dried fruits or nuts to the mix before baking for an added texture.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?**
Yes, you can! While this recipe calls for French bread, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough or challah.
2. **Will using fresh pumpkin puree make a difference in the dish?**
Yes. While canned pumpkin puree works fine, using fresh pumpkin puree will yield a fresher and richer pumpkin flavor.
3. **Can I make this dish ahead?**
Absolutely! You can prepare this dish the night before. Cover and keep in the refrigerator overnight and bake it fresh in the morning. Perfect for stress-free holiday breakfasts.