If you’re a fan of French Toast, cinnamon rolls and pancakes in the morning – especially on a holiday morning – boy do I have a treat for you. Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole with Butter-Pecan Maple Syrup is make-ahead, feeds a crowd, and is just sweet enough. Honestly, when it comes to breakfast I usually go the bacon and eggs route. That’s why I’ve shared not one, not two, but four savory breakfast casserole recipes here on IGE over the years. (Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole, Breakfast Taco Casserole (« OMG), Roasted Poblano and Sausage Casserole, and regular ol’ Breakfast Casserole.) That said, this year for the holidays I knew I had to go sweet or go home. And since I’m already home, I went sweet. Whee!
Watch How to Make It!
Gluten Free French Toast Casserole
Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole is the perfect way to kick off any holiday morning, mostly thanks to the MOST DELICIOUS ELIXIR of maple syrup infused with chopped pecans roasted in butter drizzled on top. I cannot even describe how delicious this syrup is – you’re truly going to have to try it yourself.
This French Toast Casserole is make-ahead so I usually assemble at night then bake in the morning. That said, grab your nightgown and slippers and let’s prep!
How to Make this Recipe
Start by making the Butter-Pecan Maple Syrup. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat then add chopped pecans. Cook until the pecans are light golden brown, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Next add pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup), then turn off the heat and let the syrup infuse while you assemble the rest of the casserole. Tasting at this point is both encouraged and discouraged because trust me – if you start, it’ll be nearly impossible to stop. That said, spoon drink at your own risk!
Onto the casserole. Trim away any tough crusts from an 18oz loaf gluten-free bread (I love Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White bread) then cut the slices into bite-sized cubes and arrange in the bottom of a non-stick sprayed 9×13″ baking dish.
In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk (any kind – I use unsweetened almond milk) some of the prepared Butter-Pecan Maple Syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour over the bread cubes then press down with a spatula to make sure they’re all soaked. Cover the dish with foil then package the remaining Butter-Pecan Maple Syrup and refrigerate for 2-12 hours.
When you’re ready to eat, remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator to warm up slightly while the oven preheats to 350 degrees. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the eggs are set in the center and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Check the casserole around the 30 minute mark – if the top is browning too quickly, place the foil back on top and continue baking.
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the remaining Butter-Pecan Maple Syrup – if you stored it in a mason jar like I did you can simply remove the lid then zap it in the microwave for a minute or so. Since I’m suggesting you serve the Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole for the holidays, it’s a nice touch to serve fresh berries on top. Either way, you and your family are going to devour this sweet and decadent-tasting breakfast casserole. Enjoy!
More Gluten Free Breakfast Favorites
Gluten Free Pancakes Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls Gluten Free Zucchini Bread Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Gluten Free Classic Breakfast Casserole Baked Oatmeal Cups
Like this recipe? Share it with friends!
