Pecan Crusted French Toast with Blueberries
Indulgent breakfast featuring thick French bread slices coated in a cinnamon-pecan crust and topped with fresh blueberries. The bread is dipped in a vanilla-scented custard, pressed into chopped pecans mixed with cinnamon, then pan-fried until golden and finished in the oven. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions when you want something more elaborate than regular French toast. The nutty coating adds wonderful texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the burst of sweet-tart blueberries.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf fresh french bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or almond milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- 1
Cut the French bread into thick slices
- 2
Mix the chopped pecans and cinnamon together and spread on a plate
- 3
Whisk eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla and salt in a medium bowl
- 4
Preheat oven to 225°F and heat a large skillet on stovetop
- 5
Spray pan with cooking spray
- 6
Dip bread into egg mixture, then press slices into pecans
- 7
Brown bread on each side in the skillet
- 8
Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes
- 9
Garnish with blueberries and serve immediately with maple syrup
Tips
Use day-old French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture without falling apart
Press the bread firmly into the pecan mixture to ensure good coating adhesion
Keep finished slices warm in the oven while cooking remaining batches
Good to Know
Best served immediately, can be kept warm in low oven for 30 minutes
Bread can be sliced and custard mixture prepared night before
Serve hot with maple syrup, butter, or powdered sugar
Common Mistakes
Don't soak bread too long to avoid mushiness
Press pecans firmly to avoid coating falling off during cooking
Keep oven temperature low to avoid burning nuts while warming through
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the custard mixture and slice bread the night before, but cook fresh for best texture and flavor.
What if I don't have pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work well as substitutes. Toast them lightly for extra flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate for up to 2 days, but reheat in oven or toaster for best texture as they soften when stored.