Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata – an INSANE dish that’s going to cause some serious food jealousy. This epic, mouth-watering breakfast creation is going to have you smashing, devouring, and feasting on an explosion of incredible textures and sensational flavors. Get ready to experience the ultimate breakfast adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata
This Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata is the ultimate in breakfast indulgence. With layers of buttery croissant, smoky bacon, crunchy pecans, and a decadent maple custard, this dish is a revolutionary take on the classic breakfast casserole. The combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors is absolutely mind-blowing, creating an irresistible and addictive breakfast that will have you coming back for more. Plus, with its make-ahead convenience and impressive presentation, this strata is perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to an epic weekend brunch. Get ready to experience a true flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary food adventure!
Ingredients
To create this Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata, you’ll need a few key ingredients: cubed croissants, smoky bacon, crunchy pecans, eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. These simple yet incredible components come together to create a dish that’s truly legendary.
- 12 cups – Cubed croissants
- 8 oz – Smoky bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup – Chopped pecans
- 8 large – Eggs
- 2 cups – Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Croissants: Cubed gluten-free bread (for a GF option)
- Pecans: Chopped walnuts or almonds (if you’re not a pecan fan)
How to Make Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata
Let’s get this party started, y’all! We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise with this epic breakfast creation.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. Crumble the bacon and set it aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until they’re well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the cubed croissants in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped pecans over the top. Pour the egg mixture over the croissants, making sure to evenly distribute it. Cover the dish and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and mingle.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and uncover the dish. Pop that bad boy in the oven and let it work its magic for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffed up like a fluffy cloud of deliciousness.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
After the Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata comes out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Top each portion with a drizzle of additional maple syrup for an extra special touch. Prepare to be wowed by the epic, explosive flavors of this sensational breakfast creation!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Fall Flavors: Try adding in some chopped apples or pears for a delicious fall-inspired twist.
- Nutty Options: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or even toss in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
- Creamy Topping: Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top decadent breakfast.
- Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle in a little ground cinnamon to add a warm, cozy flavor to the dish.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate breakfast experience.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheat: To reheat, place the strata in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Make-Ahead: One of the best things about this Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata is that you can assemble it a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata is a decadent and indulgent dish, but it’s also packed with some nutritious ingredients. Each serving contains a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from the croissants, bacon, eggs, and pecans. While it’s not a low-calorie option, it’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied and energized to take on your day. Enjoy this sensational breakfast in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and get ready to experience a true flavor explosion that will have your tastebuds singing with joy!
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the dish
- Calories: 501 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 37 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Sodium: 497 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this dish is its make-ahead convenience. You can assemble the strata up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it the perfect option for holiday brunches or weekend gatherings when you want to minimize day-of prep work.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While croissants are the star of this show, you can definitely experiment with other types of bread. Cubed French bread, challah, or even brioche would all work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed, as different breads may have varying moisture levels.
Can I make this strata gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, simply swap out the croissants for cubed gluten-free bread or even cubed gluten-free bagels. The rest of the ingredients should work just fine for a delicious and satisfying gluten-free breakfast.
Can I add any extra ingredients?
The beauty of this Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata is that it’s already a flavor explosion. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can absolutely add in some extra ingredients to make it your own. Try tossing in some chopped apples or pears, sprinkling in a handful of chocolate chips, or even adding a dollop of whipped cream on top. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this epic breakfast creation.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers of this Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them. The strata will maintain its incredible flavors and texture, making it the perfect breakfast treat all week long.
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Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Pecan Breakfast Strata is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for brunch. Layers of bread, eggs, and a sweet maple pecan mixture create a delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients
8 slices of bread, cubed
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cubed bread and chopped pecans to the egg mixture, stirring to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
5. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the liquid.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
Notes
This dish can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.
Serve warm with additional maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: breakfast, strata, maple, pecan