I'm just obsessed with breakfast casseroles these days. After making my breakfast tater tot casserole, I wanted to try something sweeter, and that is where this Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole was born.
Bursting with the vibrant flavors of berries and the creamy richness of a decadent custard, with an indulgent cream cheese drizzle on top, this dish is the epitome of breakfast luxury. Perfect for lazy weekend brunches or special occasions, this casserole effortlessly combines the comforting familiarity of classic French toast with the luscious sweetness of seasonal berries. Whether you're hosting a gathering of loved ones or simply treating yourself to a morning indulgence, this Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
Why you will love this dish:
- You can set this French Toast Casserole up the night before you need it, and pop it in the oven in the morning, making it an easy breakfast/brunch option.
- It is customizable, you can choose whatever berries you like. I love to buy a bag of frozen mixed berries and throw that in this, but you could also just use strawberries, or blueberries or whatever you like best. You can also use fresh fruit or frozen fruit (not thawed).
- The cream cheese drizzle on top adds a sweet, creamy, tangy flavor. I find this is a lot better than recipes that call for just cut up chunks of cream cheese to be added to a casserole. That just leads to just random clumps of cream cheese in your breakfast that I dont find enjoyable.
- This recipe is great if you need to feed a large group of people, as it serves up to 12 people.
What kind of bread should I use for French toast casserole?
When selecting bread for a Berries & Cream French toast casserole, it's essential to choose a sturdy yet absorbent type that can hold up to the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. Some excellent options include:
- Challah: This slightly sweet and eggy bread is a classic choice for French toast. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it perfect for soaking up the custard while maintaining its structure.
- Brioche: Similar to challah, brioche is another enriched bread with a buttery texture and subtle sweetness. Its tender crumb and high egg and butter content make it ideal for creating a decadent French toast casserole.
- French bread or Baguette: French bread or baguette slices are firmer and denser than challah or brioche, which can help prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy. Opt for slightly stale bread to ensure it absorbs the custard mixture well.
- Sourdough: If you prefer a tangier flavor profile, sourdough bread can add a unique twist to your French toast casserole. Its chewy texture and robust flavor provide a delightful contrast to the sweet custard.
Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole
An easy and decadent breakfast, you can prepare this ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you want to bake it to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 8 hours, 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 1 (14-ounce) loaf of bread (Brioche or Challah are best), cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 8 eggs, large
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Topping:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Add the cubed bread and berries to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish
- In a large bowl whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar and granulated sugar together until combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and fruit. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours and up to 24 hours. Overnight is best.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pan from the refrigerator.
- Bake in the preheated oven uncovered for 45–55 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- While French toast bakes, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the baked French toast casserole.
- Serve warm, with syrup if desired.
