This Pretzel French Toast Bake recipe is a simple way to elevate your breakfast or brunch without too much effort. Made with sweet and salty flavors and a decadent texture, this breakfast casserole will make your weekend mornings feel like a celebration.
If you’re a fan of traditional French toast, then it’s time to elevate your favorite breakfast dish. This recipe replaces your regular slices of bread with soft pretzels. When it’s drenched and cooked in the sweetened batter, this salted bread gets a sweet and savory flavor upgrade that will honestly surprise you and blow you away.
And if the flavor alone wasn’t enough, the texture feels like you’re eating the best bread pudding you’ve ever had in your life. The best part? You can make it ahead of time and bake it right before serving it for a luxurious dish anytime you need it!
Since you are here and love a French toast recipe, check out this Oven-Baked Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe, this Croissant French Toast Bake, or this Pumpkin French Toast Recipe.
Ingredients for this Pretzel French Toast Bake Recipe
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this baked French toast casserole. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.
- Butter: greases the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pretzel Bread: provides a base that absorbs the custardy milk mixture.
- Large Eggs: hold the casserole together and contribute to its structure.
- Whole Milk: adds moisture and richness to the custard.
- Heavy Cream: further enhances the creaminess of the casserole.
- Granulated Sugar: sweetens and balances out the savory notes from the bread. You could substitute with brown sugar if you want.
- Vanilla Extract: adds an aromatic flavor that complements the sweet flavor.
- Pinch of Kosher Salt: enhances the flavors and balances the dish’s sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: provides warm aromatic spice notes that pair well with the sweetness of the casserole.
- Powdered sugar: will add a beautiful final touch to your french toast bake!
How to make this Pretzel French Toast Bake Recipe
This is how you can make this pretzel French toast casserole. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the oven temp, bake time, and full step-by-step instructions!
- Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter.
- Cut the pretzel bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the buttered dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top of the bread cubes, then gently press the small pieces down so they soak up all the egg custard.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or leave it overnight to let the flavors deepen.
- When you’re ready to bake, take the 13-inch pan out of the fridge, and remove the plastic wrap. Heat oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and berries. I added a few dollops of my small batch lemon curd and i was perfect!
Tips and Tricks for best results
- Letting it sit overnight and having it the next morning or the next day will give you a better flavor.
- Slightly dried-out, crusty bread absorbs the custard better without getting mushy. If your pretzel bread is fresh, cube it and let it sit out for an hour or two.
- Gently press the bread down before chilling to help all the pieces get evenly soaked and prevent dry spots once baked.
Why do you need to make this pretzel french toast casserole?
- It’s a great idea for switching up a normal breakfast dish.
- Perfect for special occasions like Christmas morning, Mother’s Day, or other holiday breakfasts.
- It’s the best way to use up stale pretzels or any stale bread.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
What kind of pretzel bread should I use?
I used the King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Bites for this recipe. They work specifically well for French Toast because they already have a sweetened flavor. But you can use regular pretzels as well, as long as they’re the soft pretzels and you cut them into pieces.
Do I have to use salted pretzels?
You absolutely don’t have to if you don’t want to. If it’s because you’ve tried this Pretzel French Toast Bake before and you know that you don’t like it, then I understand. But if you’ve never tried it with the salted pretzels before and you’re a little apprehensive, I suggest that you give it a shot because it really is delicious!
What kind of toppings can I use?
I personally used powdered sugar, lemon curd, and fresh berries for my recipe. But you could also do whipped cream, crushed and toasted pecans, fresh blueberries or strawberries, or real maple syrup; they all take this casserole to the next level. Try mixing and matching to keep it fun!
How do I store leftovers of my pretzel French toast bake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. You can freeze it by wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and foil. It should keep for up to 2 months. Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes or pop them in the microwave for a quick breakfast treat the next day.
Can I use regular bread instead of pretzel bread?
Yes! You can easily substitute with brioche or French bread if that’s what you have on hand. I also have a Brioche french toast casserole recipe that you might like or this Croissant french toast recipe as well!
The BestpPretzel french toast casserole Recipe
Pretzel French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- butter to grease the dish
- 20 oz Pretzel bread bites 2 containers of Kings Hawaiian original Hawaiian Sweet Pretzel bites (or similar)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk whole milk preferred
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- powdered sugar and maple syrup optional for dusting and serving
Instructions
- Grease a 3-quart (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter.butter
- Slice the pretzel bread bites into cubes and spread them out evenly in the buttered dish.20 oz Pretzel bread bites
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the custard.4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for even better flavor.
- When you're ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the French toast for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Let it cool slightly, then serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or your favorite toppings like whipped cream, lemon curd, or fresh fruit.powdered sugar and maple syrup
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