Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Packed with fresh strawberries and blueberries, it’s perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. Easy to prepare ahead and bake when ready, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12-14 cups French bread, cubed
• 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
• 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
• Maple syrup, as much as you want

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter. Cut the French bread into cubes and fill the casserole about three-quarters full.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole.
3. Step 3: Slice the strawberries and sprinkle them along with the blueberries evenly over the top of the casserole.
4. Step 4: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes. Check at 35 minutes; if it’s not fully set and golden on top, bake longer as needed.
6. Step 6: Once baked, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar. Serve warm with plenty of maple syrup for drizzling. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale French bread for better texture and absorption of the custard.
• Swap strawberries and blueberries with other berries like raspberries or blackberries for different flavor combinations.
• For a richer custard, replace some or all of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until hot. This casserole does not freeze well due to the fresh berries and custard texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, in fact, soaking the bread overnight helps the flavors meld together and results in a more custardy texture. Just cover and refrigerate it until baking.

Can I use other types of bread besides French bread?

You can substitute challah, brioche, or another sturdy bread for French bread. Just be sure it’s thickly sliced and slightly stale so it soaks up the custard well without becoming mushy.

Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish combining the warm, custardy texture of baked French toast with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for gatherings or a special morning treat. The casserole is assembled the night before for easy, stress-free cooking and baked to golden perfection in the oven.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-50 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including soaking time)
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 12–14 cups French bread, cut into cubes

Custard Mixture

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2/3 cup brown sugar

Fruit Topping

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries

Finishing Touches

• 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar
• Maple syrup, as desired

Instructions

1. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cut the French bread into cubes and fill the dish about three-quarters full with the bread cubes.
2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will soak the bread and add flavor.
3. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. This will help the bread absorb the custard for a rich texture.
4. Add Fruit Toppings: Slice the strawberries and arrange them along with the blueberries evenly on top of the soaked bread mixture.
5. Refrigerate to Soak: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard flavors.
6. Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 35 to 50 minutes. Check at 35 minutes by inserting a knife to see if it comes out clean; if not, continue baking until set and golden on top.
7. Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and serve warm with maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Enjoy this comforting and fruity French toast casserole!

Notes

• Use slightly stale French bread for best absorption and texture.
• Refrigerating overnight enhances the custard soaking, resulting in a more flavorful casserole.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s temperature accuracy and casserole depth.
• Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or fruit compote if desired.
• This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.

Keywords: Berry French Toast Casserole, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, strawberry blueberry French toast, cinnamon French toast, brunch recipe