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To make a delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 loaf of challah bread, cubed - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (or a non-dairy alternative) - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Maple syrup for serving - Powdered sugar for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the cozy flavor of this dish. The challah bread adds a rich texture and absorbs the custard mixture well. Eggs and milk create a creamy base that binds everything together. Pumpkin puree brings a lovely fall flavor and moisture. Brown sugar adds sweetness, while the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—give that warm pumpkin spice kick we all love. Optional ingredients like pecans add a nice crunch, while maple syrup and powdered sugar make for perfect finishing touches. These elements elevate the dish, making it not just a meal but an experience. This recipe is easy to customize based on your taste, allowing you to explore various flavor profiles while enjoying a warm, comforting casserole. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. 2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, and 1 cup of pumpkin puree. 4. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. 1. Next, take your cubed challah bread and add it to the custard mixture. 2. Gently stir until all the bread is coated. This step is key for flavor. 3. If you like, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans for some crunch. 4. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 5. For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top. 1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. 2. After 30 minutes, uncover the casserole. Bake for an extra 15-20 minutes. 3. Look for a golden brown top and a set center. This shows it's done. 4. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 5. Slice into squares and serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup. Dust with powdered sugar if you'd like. Selecting the right bread is key. I love using challah bread for its soft texture. You can also try brioche or sourdough if you want. Both add great flavor. Ensure your bread is a bit stale. This helps soak up the custard mix without getting too mushy. To get the right texture, let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to absorb all the liquid. If you want a firmer texture, bake it a little longer. Just watch for a golden top. Spice levels can easily be customized. If you love a warm kick, add more cinnamon or nutmeg. If you prefer a milder taste, cut back on the spices. You can also mix in fruit. Apples or bananas add a nice sweetness. Try adding chopped pecans for crunch. They pair perfectly with pumpkin. Serving your casserole warm is a must. Drizzle it with maple syrup for added sweetness. For an elegant touch, dust it with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add some fresh berries or whipped cream on the side. These add color and freshness to your plate. Enjoy this cozy delight with family and friends! {{image_2}} You can change up this casserole to fit the seasons. Adding cranberries gives a tart burst of flavor. They pair well with the sweet pumpkin. Mixing in pecans adds a nice crunch. You can also try a chocolate chip pumpkin spice casserole. The chocolate adds a fun twist and makes it sweeter. Kids and adults alike will love it! If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free bread. It will still taste great with the pumpkin and spices. For a vegan adaptation, use plant-based milk and flax eggs. Flax eggs are easy to make. Just mix ground flaxseed with water and let it sit. This way, everyone can enjoy this cozy dish. This casserole shines at breakfast but can also be a dessert. Serve it warm with maple syrup for breakfast. For dessert, add whipped cream or ice cream. Pair it with warm apple cider or a rich hot chocolate. These drinks enhance the cozy feel of the dish. After enjoying your pumpkin spice French toast casserole, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the casserole in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can safely refrigerate it for up to three days. When you're ready to eat it, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. If you want to keep your casserole longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later. It will stay good for about three months. To reheat, remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is heated through, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You can keep the pumpkin spice French toast casserole in the fridge for up to three days. If frozen, it will last for about three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy this cozy dish again without worry! Yes, you can use other types of bread! Brioche or sourdough work well. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free bread if you prefer. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard. To make this casserole ahead, follow these steps: - Prepare and assemble the casserole. - Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. - Store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Toppings can add fun flavors! Here are some ideas: - Whipped cream for a sweet touch. - Chopped nuts for crunch. - Fresh fruit like bananas or berries. - A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Feel free to mix and match your favorites! Yes, you can make it dairy-free! Use a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Just make sure it is unsweetened. The rest of the recipe remains the same. Enjoy the same cozy delight without the dairy! This blog post covered a delicious pumpkin spice casserole. We explored key ingredients like challah bread and spices. You learned how to prep, assemble, and bake your dish step by step. We shared tips on perfecting flavors and presenting your casserole beautifully. We also discussed variations for seasonal and dietary needs. Lastly, we provided storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy your cooking journey, and feel free to experiment! Casseroles are fun to make and easy to share.

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Delight in the flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole! Perfect for lazy mornings or holiday gatherings, this easy recipe uses challah bread and a creamy pumpkin custard for a delicious twist on breakfast. Topped with maple syrup and optional pecans, it's a cozy dish everyone will love. Click to explore this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe and bring a taste of autumn to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah bread, cubed

4 large eggs

2 cups milk (or a non-dairy alternative)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Maple syrup for serving

Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined and smooth.

      Add the cubed challah bread to the mixture and gently stir until all the bread is well coated with the custard mixture. If using, fold in the chopped pecans for added crunch.

        Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top.

          Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

            After 30 minutes, uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

              Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

                Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar if desired.

                  Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8-10