Description
A delightful Berry French Toast Casserole featuring layers of cubed French bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, baked to golden perfection. This make-ahead breakfast casserole is ideal for serving a crowd and pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12-14 cups French bread, cut into cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
For Serving
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Then, cut the French bread into cubes and fill the casserole dish up to about three-quarters full with these bread cubes.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread cubes, infusing them with flavor.
- Combine Bread and Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, ensuring all cubes are soaked.
- Add Fresh Berries: Slice the strawberries and sprinkle them along with the blueberries evenly over the top of the soaked bread mixture in the casserole dish.
- Chill the Casserole: Wrap the casserole tightly with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or up to overnight. This allows the bread to soak thoroughly, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Preheat and Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the saran wrap and bake the casserole for 35 to 50 minutes. Start checking at the 35-minute mark by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center to ensure it’s set; bake longer if needed until golden and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Serve warm with maple syrup generously drizzled over each serving. Enjoy your comforting berry French toast casserole!
Notes
- For best texture, refrigerate the assembled casserole for at least 4 hours or overnight before baking.
- Bread choice matters: day-old or slightly stale French bread absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to swap berries based on seasonality or preference—raspberries or blackberries work well too.
- If you prefer a richer custard, substitute whole milk or cream for the 2% milk.
- Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before for easy morning preparation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
