Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat featuring moist and tender French bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, baked to perfection with a slightly crusty top and fresh berries. Easy to prepare ahead and perfect for serving with powdered sugar and maple syrup, making it an ideal make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish.
Ingredients
Bread
- 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
Toppings
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, as much as you want
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9″x13″ rectangular baking dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Bread Base: Cut French bread into cubes and fill the greased casserole dish about three-quarters full.
- Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, ensuring all bread is soaked.
- Add Fresh Berries: Slice strawberries and sprinkle them along with blueberries evenly over the top of the soaked bread.
- Chill Before Baking: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes. Begin checking for doneness at 35 minutes; the top should be golden and slightly crusty, and the custard fully set.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup on the side. Enjoy your delicious berry French toast casserole!
Notes
- Make the casserole the night before to let the bread soak fully for a moist texture.
- Feel free to substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- Use day-old French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- Ensure you check the casserole mid-baking to avoid overcooking and drying out.
- Vegetarian-friendly but contains eggs and dairy products.