This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is an easy breakfast treat! Soft bread soaked in a creamy mixture, topped with sweet strawberries—it’s a breakfast dream come true.
You can whip this up the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning. Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of warm, fruity goodness? I call that a win! 🍓😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Using challah or brioche gives this casserole a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. You can substitute with any thick bread like sourdough or even croissants if you’re feeling adventurous!
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential for binding the casserole together. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, try using a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or applesauce.
Milk & Cream: The combination of milk and heavy cream makes the casserole extra creamy. You can use whole milk or 2% milk, and for a lighter version, swap half of the cream with more milk or use a non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm spice to the dish. If you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice can work in a pinch. Just add a smaller amount as they can be more potent!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this dish, but you can mix it up with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches, based on what you have handy.
How Do You Ensure the Casserole is Perfectly Soaked?
Getting the bread well-soaked in the egg mixture is key to a delicious casserole. This will ensure a creamy texture that holds together nicely once baked. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the liquids well before adding the cubed bread.
- Gently fold the bread into the mixture so that every piece gets a good soak. Avoid stirring too hard to prevent breaking apart the bread.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to absorb the flavors fully.
Trust me, this resting time makes a huge difference in the final product!
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes (about 10 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. Allow an additional few minutes for cooling before serving. So, altogether, you’re looking at about an hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this sweet, creamy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy serving later on.
2. Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is fully combined and looks nice and creamy.
3. Soak the Bread
Now it’s time to add those delicious cubed bread pieces to your egg mixture. Gently fold the bread into the mixture until every piece is soaked. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This gives the bread time to absorb all that yummy liquid!
4. Add the Strawberries
After the bread has soaked, fold in half of the sliced strawberries. This will distribute the sweet fruit throughout the casserole, adding great flavor to every bite.
5. Pour and Arrange
Pour the bread and egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, take the remaining sliced strawberries and arrange them on top. This will make your casserole look pretty and inviting!
6. Bake It Up
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be golden brown and the casserole to be set. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
7. Cool and Dust
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This is a good time to dust the top with powdered sugar. It adds a nice touch and makes it look extra tempting.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Lastly, serve your warm casserole with a drizzle of maple syrup on the side. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends—it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While challah or brioche works beautifully for a rich flavor and texture, you can substitute with any thick, sturdy bread like sourdough, French bread, or even bagels. Just ensure the bread is stale or slightly dried out to absorb the egg mixture without getting overly soggy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to step 5, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as instructed. It may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven if it’s cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply slice a portion and warm it in the microwave. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain off any excess liquid to prevent sogginess in your casserole. You can also toss them with a bit of sugar to enhance their flavor as they thaw.
