Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With its sweet cinnamon flavor, soft French bread, and burst of fresh berries, it feels like a special treat without the hassle of standing over the stove. The best part? You can prep it the night before and let it sit in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard mixture. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ll have a warm, flavorful breakfast ready in no time. Plus, it’s versatile—add your favorite berries, adjust the sweetness to your liking, or serve with maple syrup and powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 12-14 cups French bread

• 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, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter. Cut the French bread into cubes and place them in the casserole dish, filling it up to about three-quarters full.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Make sure the mixture is well combined.

3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all the bread is soaked.

4. Slice the strawberries and scatter them over the top, along with the blueberries.

5. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if preferred, to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 35-50 minutes, checking at the 35-minute mark to see if it’s done. If it’s not yet golden and firm, continue baking for a little longer.

7. Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

8. Serve with maple syrup and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Resting time: 4 hours (or overnight)

• Cook time: 35-50 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Berries: You can switch up the berries based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Try raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of both!

• Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or even chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

• Bread: While French bread is ideal for its texture, you can substitute it with challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread for a different flavor profile.

• Vegan version: Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk.

• Spices: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes! The casserole can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Just pop it into the oven the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

2. Can I freeze this French toast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

3. What bread works best for this casserole?

French bread works best due to its slightly chewy texture, but you can also use challah, brioche, or any other hearty bread for a different flavor.

4. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole should be golden brown on top and firm in the center. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

5. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make this casserole. Just be sure to check that the rest of the ingredients (like the milk and sugar) are also gluten-free.

6. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen berries will work just fine. If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them—just add them directly to the casserole before refrigerating.

7. Can I adjust the sweetness of this dish?

Definitely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar for a less sweet dish or add a little more if you prefer extra sweetness.

8. Can I add nuts to this casserole?

Yes! Nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the top of the casserole before baking for added crunch and flavor.

9. Can I make this casserole without cinnamon?

Yes, if you prefer, you can leave out the cinnamon or substitute it with another spice like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with a dairy-free option like almond milk or oat milk, and use a non-dairy butter alternative for greasing the casserole dish.

Conclusion

This Berry French Toast Casserole is an easy, delicious, and customizable dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Whether you make it the night before for a hassle-free morning or whip it up fresh, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its moist, custardy interior and sweet, fruity topping, it’s an irresistible way to start the day.

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