Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning, making your mornings hassle-free.
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese offers a delightful taste in every bite.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd, making it an excellent choice for brunches or family get-togethers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Day-old crusty bread (such as challah or sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
- Large eggs
- Whole milk
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Confectioners’ sugar (for serving)
Directions
- Prepare the Bread and Filling: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes in the dish. Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the bread layer, then sprinkle 1½ cups of sliced strawberries on top. Cover with the remaining bread cubes.
- Make the Custard: In a blender, pulse the half-and-half for a few seconds. Add eggs and blend until fully incorporated. Add maple syrup and blend until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread layers.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator 45 minutes before baking. Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the French toast is puffed and golden brown, about 30 more minutes.
- Prepare the Strawberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of sliced strawberries and cook until softened, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in butter until melted.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with the warm strawberry sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: At least 2 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes (including minimum chilling time)
Variations
- Bread Options: Substitute challah or sourdough with brioche or cinnamon-raisin bread for added flavor.
- Fruit Additions: Incorporate other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, either in addition to or instead of strawberries.
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use non-dairy milk alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute or until warmed through. Alternatively, cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20 minutes.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
FAQs
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy.
What type of bread works best?
Sturdy, slightly stale bread like challah, brioche, or sourdough is ideal as it holds up well and absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
Is the cream cheese layer necessary?
The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter dish.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Ensure the bread is slightly stale and avoid using overly soft bread. Allowing the casserole to chill and absorb the custard overnight also helps achieve the desired texture.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes, a streusel topping made of butter, flour, and sugar can add a delightful crunch. Sprinkle it on before baking.
What other fruits can I use?
Besides strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches make excellent alternatives or additions.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet strawberries and creamy custard with this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole. This make-ahead breakfast dish features layers of challah bread soaked in a rich egg mixture, complemented by bursts of strawberry jam and cream cheese, and topped with fresh strawberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Challah bread
- Strawberry jam
- Cream cheese
- Fresh strawberries
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar
- Salt
Instructions:
- Cut the challah bread into cubes and layer half in a baking dish.
- Dollop spoonfuls of strawberry jam and cream cheese over the bread.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat the oven and bake the casserole until golden and set.
- Top with fresh strawberries before serving.
Instructions
- For a richer flavor, use brioche instead of challah.
- To add a citrusy twist, incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the egg mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.
