Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups half-and-half
• 8 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 0.75 cups dark brown sugar
• 8 slices French bread
• 0.25 cups unsalted butter , more as needed
• 0.5 cups maple syrup
• 0.75 cups chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar , or more to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix half-and-half, eggs, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon sugar together in a large shallow bowl. Add French bread. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

3. 3

   Place butter in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Transfer to the preheated oven until butter melts, about 5 minutes. Swirl butter over bottom of the dish.

4. 4

   Spread maple syrup, pecans, and remaining 3/4 cup sugar over melted butter. Arrange soaked bread on top of pecan mixture.

5. 5

   Bake until top is golden and no longer runny, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar just before serving.