Go Back
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - Pinch of salt The base for this casserole starts with bread. I love using challah or brioche. They have a soft texture that soaks up the egg mixture well. The eggs form the heart of the dish. They give it a rich, custardy feel. Next, the whole milk and heavy cream add creaminess. They make each bite smooth and dreamy. Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness. It melts and gives the casserole a lovely caramel flavor. Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth. Ground cinnamon adds a cozy spice. The freshly grated nutmeg offers a unique twist, making the dish special. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors. - 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) - Maple syrup, for serving - Powdered sugar, for dusting Mixed berries add a burst of freshness. You can use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. They not only look pretty but also add a sweet-tart flavor. For serving, maple syrup is a must. It brings a rich sweetness to the warm casserole. Finally, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes it feel fancy. It also adds a touch of sweetness that everyone loves. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives a nice base for baking. 2. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step helps prevent sticking. 1. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs until frothy. This adds air for a light texture. 2. Next, add 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. 3. Include 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg. 4. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved. 1. Evenly distribute 1 loaf of cubed challah or brioche bread in the greased baking dish. Make sure they sit in a single layer. 2. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread. Use a spatula to press down on the cubes. This helps them soak up the liquid. 3. Evenly scatter 1 cup of mixed berries over the top. Gently press them down into the mixture. 1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This seals in flavors while chilling. 2. Place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. For even better taste, chill overnight. 1. When ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes. 2. Bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes. This keeps it moist. 3. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and set center. 1. Once baked, take the casserole out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it set. 2. Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch. 3. Serve warm with maple syrup on the side for drizzling. It enhances the flavor and makes it extra special. - Choosing the right bread: Use challah or brioche. These breads are soft and soak well. They give your casserole a nice, fluffy texture. If you want, try sourdough for a twist, but stay away from regular sandwich bread. - Importance of soaking time: Soaking lets the bread absorb the egg mixture. I like to chill it overnight. This step builds flavor and makes the casserole creamy. If you're short on time, soak it for at least one hour. - Flavor variations: Get creative! Add chocolate chips for sweetness. Try spices like cardamom or ginger for a warm kick. You can even mix in different fruits like bananas or apples. - Substituting sweeteners: Brown sugar works great, but you can switch to maple syrup or honey. If you prefer less sugar, try a sugar substitute. Just make sure it can handle heat. - Complementary side dishes: Serve your casserole with crispy bacon or sausage. Fresh fruit salad adds a nice touch too. A light green salad can balance the dish’s richness. - Beverages that pair well: Freshly brewed coffee is a classic choice. You might enjoy a fruity tea or a cold glass of milk. For something special, serve mimosas for a brunch vibe. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Using slightly stale challah or brioche will help the bread cubes absorb the egg mixture better, resulting in a richer, more decadent casserole. Customize Your Berries: Feel free to mix and match your favorite seasonal berries! You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Overnight Soaking: For maximum flavor and ease, prepare the casserole the night before and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator to meld the flavors. Serve with Whipped Cream: For a luxurious touch, top the casserole with freshly whipped cream along with the maple syrup for an indulgent breakfast or brunch experience. {{image_4}} You can use different types of bread for your casserole. Challah and brioche are classic choices. They soak up the egg mixture well. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bread. It works great and tastes good too. Sourdough is another fun choice. It has a nice tang that adds flavor. Want to jazz up your casserole? Adding chocolate chips is a great idea! They melt and create pockets of sweetness. You can also mix in some nuts like pecans or walnuts. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Try these options to make your dish stand out. Change your casserole with the seasons! In winter, add spices like nutmeg or ginger. For spring and summer, you can include fresh fruits. Berries like strawberries and blueberries are perfect. They bring a burst of color and taste. In fall, think about pumpkin or apple flavors. This keeps your French toast casserole exciting all year round! To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container. Use a glass or plastic dish with a lid. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will last up to three days. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. For freezing, wrap the casserole well. Use plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This keeps out air. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, place portions in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil. This helps heat evenly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just make sure to cover it to keep moisture. Enjoy it warm to keep the flavor rich! Yes, you can prepare French Toast Casserole the night before. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, making each bite soft and delicious. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove the chill. This step helps it cook evenly. You will know the casserole is done when the top is golden brown. The center should also feel set, not jiggly. You can use a toothpick to check; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. If it’s still wet, bake it a bit longer. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, here are some options: - Whole milk - Half-and-half - Coconut cream Each option will change the flavor and texture a bit. Whole milk will make it lighter, while coconut cream adds a nice twist. Absolutely! You can use many types of fruit. Here are some great choices: - Bananas - Apples - Peaches - Seasonal berries Using seasonal fruit can enhance the flavor and add color to your dish. Yes, French Toast Casserole is freezer-friendly. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. You can also bake it straight from the freezer, but it may take longer to cook. This blog post covered how to make a delicious French toast casserole. We looked at main and optional ingredients, like brioche bread and berries. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the dish, mix the ingredients, and bake it to perfection. We also shared tips for custom flavors and how to store leftovers. In conclusion, you now have all you need to create your own perfect casserole. Enjoy the process and don't hesitate to try new flavors. Happy cooking!

Deliciously Decadent French Toast Casserole

A rich and flavorful casserole made with bread, eggs, and cream, topped with mixed berries and served with maple syrup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
  • 1 serving Maple syrup, for serving
  • 1 serving Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until frothy. Then, add the whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the batter is well combined.
  • Evenly distribute the bread cubes in the greased baking dish, making sure they are arranged in a single layer for even soaking.
  • Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread, using a spatula or your hands to gently press down on the cubes to ensure they absorb the liquid thoroughly.
  • Evenly scatter the mixed berries over the top of the soaked bread, gently pressing them down to incorporate into the mixture.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want to prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • When you're ready to bake, take the dish out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take off the chill.
  • Bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the center has set.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and serve warm alongside maple syrup for drizzling.

Notes

Serve warm, cut into squares, and adorn with fresh berries and maple syrup.
Keyword berries, breakfast, casserole, french toast