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- 1 loaf of challah bread (or thick bread of your choice), cubed - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option) - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional for added texture) - Maple syrup, for serving You can use any thick bread for this dish. Brioche or sourdough works well. If you want a twist, try using cinnamon raisin bread. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk is great. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier touch. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, mix nutmeg and allspice for a similar taste. This casserole provides a balanced meal. Each serving has about: - Calories: 310 - Protein: 8g - Carbs: 50g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 2g - Sugar: 12g This meal offers some healthy fats from the pecans and protein from the eggs. You can reduce sugar by cutting back on the brown sugar or using less maple syrup. Enjoy this warm, cozy dish that brings joy to any table! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to ensuring your casserole cooks evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking later. In a large bowl, crack open four large eggs. Whisk them until they are well beaten. Next, pour in two cups of milk. You can use almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Add in one cup of pumpkin puree. This gives the casserole its rich pumpkin flavor. Now, mix in half a cup of packed brown sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk this mixture until it is smooth and well blended. You want all the flavors to combine perfectly. Now it’s time for the bread! Take your loaf of challah bread and cut it into small cubes. Carefully add these bread cubes into your wet mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold the bread into the mixture. Make sure each piece is coated well. This step is vital for soaking up all the flavors. Let the bread soak in the mixture for about 15 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the creamy pumpkin goodness, making each bite a delight. If you want to add a crunchy texture, fold in half a cup of chopped pecans at this point. Once everything is mixed, pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks well. For this casserole, I love using challah bread. It has a soft texture and sweet flavor. You can also try brioche or thick country bread. These types soak up the pumpkin mixture well. Choose bread with a sturdy crust. It helps hold the shape during baking. To make sure your casserole shines, use fresh pumpkin puree. You can buy canned puree, but homemade gives a richer taste. Add a pinch more pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavors too. Don’t skip the brown sugar; it adds a lovely sweetness. Keep an eye on your baking time. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Remove the foil in the last 15 minutes to get a nice brown top. Check the center with a knife. It should come out clean when it’s ready. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes for easier slices. Enjoy every bite of this cozy treat! {{image_4}} If you want a dairy-free version, you can easily swap out regular milk for almond milk. Almond milk works well and keeps the casserole creamy. You can also try oat milk or coconut milk for different flavors. Each option keeps the dish rich without dairy. To cater to different diets, you can change the bread type. Gluten-free bread is an excellent choice for those avoiding gluten. For a low-sugar option, use a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar. You can also try using egg substitutes, like flax eggs, for a vegan version. This makes the casserole fit for many diets. Adding nuts or fruits can enhance the casserole's taste. Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you like fruit, consider adding sliced bananas or apples. Dried cranberries or raisins can also bring sweetness and a chewy texture. Get creative and mix your favorite flavors into this cozy dish! After enjoying your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, let it cool down. Once it's cool, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing its flavor. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Just make sure it gets warm all the way through. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into slices and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your cozy dish anytime! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it the night before. Follow all steps to mix the bread and wet ingredients. Then, cover the dish tightly and place it in the fridge. Bake it the next morning for a warm breakfast. You can omit the pumpkin puree if you prefer. This will change the flavor and texture. Instead, use an extra egg and some milk. You can add more spices to keep it tasty. Try using mashed bananas or applesauce for a different flavor. This casserole pairs well with many items. Here are some tasty ideas: - Fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas - Whipped cream for a sweet touch - Yogurt for some creaminess - Sausages or bacon for a savory bite - Extra maple syrup for drizzling Feel free to mix and match these sides for a great breakfast! This blog post covered all you need to know about Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole. We explored the key ingredients and possible swaps for various diets. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and offered advice on perfecting flavor and texture. You also learned how to store leftovers and reheat them for later. Embrace your cooking skills and try this dish. It’s a fun way to enjoy fall flavors anytime!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole! Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy recipe blends creamy pumpkin puree with rich spices and bread for a delightful treat. Serve it warm with maple syrup and impress your family and friends. Ready to create this cozy dish? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your mornings festive! #PumpkinSpice #FrenchToast #FallRecipes #CozyEats
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah bread (or thick bread of your choice), cubed

4 large eggs

2 cups milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional for added texture)

Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and whisk them until beaten. Pour in the milk and pumpkin puree, followed by the brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

      Add the Bread: Carefully add the cubed challah bread to the wet mixture. Gently fold the bread pieces into the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure each piece is fully coated in the creamy pumpkin mixture. Allow the bread to soak for approximately 15 minutes, letting it absorb all the delicious flavors.

        Incorporate Pecans: If you’re using pecans for a delightful crunch, fold them into the bread mixture at this point, distributing them evenly throughout.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

            Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this initial bake, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

              Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked to perfection, allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, generously drizzled with rich maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8

                  - Presentation Tips: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before serving and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal. Enjoy each bite of your cozy, pumpkin-spiced delight!