There’s something extra special about a cozy Sunday morning with your family. You wake up a little later than usual, the sun is shining, and you can smell something delicious wafting through the air. That’s the kind of morning I adore! One of my all-time favorite recipes that brings that warm, happy feeling is a Berry French Toast Casserole. Not only is it cozy and comforting, but it’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish that really shines during brunch. It’s perfect for those lazy weekends or family gatherings when you want to impress everyone without spending hours in the kitchen.
Picture this: a fluffy, custard-soaked bread filled with sweet strawberries and blueberries. Oh, and the way it smells while baking? Absolutely heavenly! My kids get so excited just talking about it. What I love most about this casserole is that it allows me to prep everything the night before, so come morning, all I have to do is pop it in the oven. It’s a brilliant way to keep things stress-free and still serve something amazing that everyone will love.
Whenever I make this dish, I can’t help but think of family and friends coming together around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying great food. My mom used to whip up similar casseroles for special occasions, and now I pass down that tradition with my own little twist. The best part? You can customize it! Have some extra fruit around or maybe a different type of bread? Go ahead, throw it in! Cooking is all about making it your own, right?
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy and full of love, then this Berry French Toast Casserole is just what you need to try. Trust me, this one is sure to become a staple in your home. So grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking. You won’t regret it!
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole
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Ingredients
- 12-14 cups of cubed French bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of 2% milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, to taste
Directions
Start your delicious journey by greasing a 9″x13″ baking dish using vegetable oil or butter. Next, take your French bread and cut it into nice, bite-sized cubes. Fill that dish up to about three-quarters full with those delightful bread pieces.
In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Whisk until everything is well mixed and you get a beautiful, smooth mixture. Pour this tasty blend over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring they get well coated.
Now it’s time to add some color! Slice up your strawberries and sprinkle them generously over the top, then follow suit with your blueberries. Don’t be shy; let those berries shine!
Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Ideally, let it sit for at least four hours—or overnight if you can—but if you’re in a hurry, a shorter time works too.
When the time comes to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap, and slide it into the oven. Bake it for about 35 to 50 minutes, checking at the 35-minute mark. You’ll know it’s good to go when the center is set and it has a lovely golden color.
Once it’s out of the oven, give it a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it warm with a generous pour of maple syrup, and take a moment to enjoy every delicious bite!
Storing Suggestion
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best used within 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or heat it up in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This way, you can enjoy it for breakfast or brunch during the week!
Cooking Tips
Feel free to substitute the bread with challah or brioche for a richer flavor. You could also switch the fruit; raspberries or blackberries work beautifully too. To enhance the flavors, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the egg mixture or a touch of nutmeg along with cinnamon!
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. You can also serve it with a fresh fruit salad or whipped cream for an extra treat. Don’t forget some steaming coffee or a refreshing mimosa to round out your brunch experience!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of 2% milk, you can use whole milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. For those who are vegan, try using a plant-based egg substitute mixed with almond milk for a similar texture. Brown sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar or even honey in the egg mixture.
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, consider adding pumpkin puree to the egg mixture and using apples instead of berries for a cozy autumn twist. During the winter, you could spotlight cranberries and pecans for a festive flair. There’s always a delicious seasonal option waiting to be explored!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs and dairy. If you have an egg allergy, consider using a commercial egg replacer or applesauce as a substitute. For dairy-free diets, use almond milk and a flaxseed egg mixture. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients support your dietary needs.
FAQ
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, preparing it the night before allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully, resulting in a richer flavor. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to let the flavors meld together overnight.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or even in the oven, making it a great option for easy breakfasts during the week!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just prepare it according to the recipe, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking, and then follow the usual baking instructions!
Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering?
Definitely! This Berry French Toast Casserole is perfect for large gatherings, serving around 12 people. It’s easy to put together, and you can even double the recipe for bigger crowds. Just use an additional baking dish and make adjustments to the baking time as needed.
Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
Certainly! Feel free to customize it with nuts or other fruits. Adding sliced bananas, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter can create a different flavor profile and make the casserole even more exciting. Get creative with what you have on hand!
What kind of bread works best for this casserole?
French bread is ideal for this recipe, but you can use challah, brioche, or even croissants for a different texture and flavor. Stale bread works even better, as it will absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy. Just make sure it’s cut into cubes for even cooking!
Berry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 12-14 cups French bread cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- maple syrup to taste
Instructions
- Grease a 9"x13" baking dish with vegetable oil or butter. Cut the French bread into cubes and fill the dish until about three-quarters full.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until blended. Pour this egg mixture over the bread cubes in the casserole dish.
- Slice the strawberries and scatter them along with the blueberries over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight for best results.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the wrap from the casserole and bake for 35-50 minutes. Start checking for doneness at the 35-minute mark; if it's not set, continue baking until fully cooked.
- Once out of the oven, dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
