Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Looking for the perfect brunch or breakfast recipe that combines sweet strawberries, soft bread, and a hint of cinnamon? This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a delicious breakfast, this make-ahead dish will save you time and wow your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning.
• Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The juicy strawberries add sweetness and freshness.
• Perfect for Brunch: Great for holidays, weekends, or potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 loaf of French bread (or brioche, cut into cubes)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup maple syrup (for serving)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

How to Make Strawberry French Toast Casserole

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Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Strawberries

• Cut the loaf of French bread into 1-inch cubes and place half of them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer half of the sliced strawberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread and strawberries on top.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Soak

• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries, pressing down gently so the bread soaks up the custard.
• Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Bake

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and set.

Step 5: Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Tips for Success

• Bread Choices: Use day-old bread for better texture. Brioche, challah, or French bread work well.
• Extra Flavor: Add a cream cheese layer or sprinkle some chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Toppings: Serve with whipped cream, additional strawberries, or a drizzle of honey.

Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is ideal for holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas brunch. It’s easy to prep ahead of time, freeing you to enjoy the day with your loved ones. The combination of creamy custard, fresh strawberries, and fluffy bread creates a breakfast treat everyone will rave about.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a hassle-free breakfast recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a must-try. Its soft texture, sweet strawberries, and comforting custard make it a brunch favorite for all ages.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share it with friends and family who love easy, delicious breakfast ideas.

Serving and Storage Tips for Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Serving Tips

• Add Toppings: Enhance the flavor by serving with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or additional fresh strawberries. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey takes it to the next level.
• Serve Warm: For the best taste and texture, serve the casserole warm right out of the oven. If it cools down, reheat it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Pair it with Sides: Complement your casserole with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Strawberry French Toast Casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist.
• Freezing:
  • If you want to freeze the casserole, bake it first and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bake as directed for a stress-free and fresh breakfast.

By following these tips, you can enjoy this Strawberry French Toast Casserole to its fullest, whether it’s fresh out of the oven, reheated, or prepared ahead of time!

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed for an easy, make-ahead breakfast.

3. Can I substitute the French bread with another type of bread?
Yes! While French bread works best, you can also use brioche, challah, or any other sturdy bread. Day-old bread works particularly well as it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.

4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer. For the eggs, try an egg substitute like flax eggs or an egg replacer if needed.

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