Pretzel French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Pretzel French Toast Casserole combines the salty crunch of pretzel bread with the rich, custardy goodness of traditional French toast. It’s an easy make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions. You’ll love how this sweet and savory dish comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

• Butter (for greasing the dish)
• 20 oz pretzel bread bites
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar and maple syrup (optional, for dusting and serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 3-quart (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Slice the pretzel bread bites into cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the liquid.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight to enhance flavor.
5. Step 5: When ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge and take off the plastic wrap.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil and continue baking.
7. Step 7: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup, or add toppings like whipped cream, lemon curd, or fresh fruit.

Tips & Variations

• Use pretzel bread bites for a perfect salty crunch, but soft pretzel rolls or buns cut into cubes can work as well.
• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon to the custard mix.
• If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle chopped nuts or streusel over the casserole before baking.
• Make it vegan by substituting dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and using an egg replacer.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well without losing texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes! Refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.

What can I use if I don’t have pretzel bread bites?

You can substitute with soft pretzel rolls or even a sturdy bread like brioche or challah, cubed. The unique salty crunch comes from the pretzel bread, but other breads will still work deliciously.

Pretzel French Toast Casserole Recipe

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This Pretzel French Toast Casserole combines the salty crunch of pretzel bread bites with a rich, custardy base infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, it bakes to a golden brown and can be served with maple syrup and powdered sugar for a sweet contrast.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes to overnight soaking time (active cooking time 45 minutes)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast & Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• Butter for greasing the dish
• 20 oz pretzel bread bites
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For Serving (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Maple syrup for drizzling
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, lemon curd, fresh fruit

Instructions

1. Grease the baking dish: Thoroughly butter a 3-quart (9×13-inch) baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
2. Prepare the bread cubes: Slice the pretzel bread bites into cubes and evenly spread them in the buttered dish, ensuring a uniform layer.
3. Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard evenly over the pretzel bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard mixture thoroughly.
5. Chill to absorb flavors: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, let it chill overnight to deepen the flavors.
6. Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning and continue baking.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Add optional toppings such as whipped cream, lemon curd, or fresh fruit for an extra special touch.

Notes

• For best texture and flavor, allow the casserole to chill overnight so the pretzel cubes absorb the custard thoroughly.
• If using different types of bread, adjust soaking time accordingly.
• Covering with foil during baking helps prevent over-browning if the top cooks too quickly.
• Serves well with a variety of toppings; adjust sweetness to taste.

Keywords: pretzel french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, baked french toast, brunch recipe, pretzel bread breakfast