![- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (or any berries of your choice) - Butter for greasing the baking dish To make Easy Baked French Toast Casserole, you need some key ingredients. First, choose brioche or challah bread. These breads soak up the mix well. Next, gather eggs and dairy products like whole milk and heavy cream. They add richness and flavor. For sweetness, use maple syrup and a touch of vanilla extract. Ground cinnamon gives it a warm taste. Don't forget salt; it enhances all the flavors. Lastly, fresh fruit like strawberries adds a nice touch. - Powdered sugar for dusting - Maple syrup drizzling You can make your casserole even better with some optional garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look fancy. Drizzling warm maple syrup on top adds extra sweetness. These simple touches can make a big difference in taste! - Baking dish - Mixing bowls - Whisk and spatula When making this casserole, you need some basic kitchen tools. A baking dish is essential for cooking the casserole. Mixing bowls help you combine all the ingredients. A whisk is perfect for beating the eggs and mixing liquids. A spatula is handy for folding in the bread and fruit. All these tools make the process smooth and easy. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. This helps the casserole come out easily. 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. 1. Now, add the cubed bread to the egg mixture. Gently fold it in, making sure every piece gets soaked in the mixture. 2. Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes. This step ensures your casserole is soft and tasty. 3. After soaking, fold in the sliced strawberries. You can use any berries you like. Distribute them evenly through the bread mixture. 1. Pour the entire mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for uniform baking. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You want the top to turn golden brown and the center to be set. 3. Once done, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors settle. 4. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Cut into squares and enjoy! This recipe is simple yet satisfying, perfect for breakfast or brunch. For the full recipe, refer to the ingredients section above! Choosing the right type of bread is key for this dish. I love using brioche or challah. They are soft and soak up the egg mixture well. You can use other bread types, but these work best. Day-old bread is ideal for this recipe. It holds the egg mixture better than fresh bread. Fresh bread can get too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit. You can add spices or extracts to enhance flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract can make a big difference. Cinnamon is a classic choice, but don’t stop there! Fruits also add great flavor. You can mix in bananas, blueberries, or apples. Feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits. Just make sure they are ripe for the best taste. Serve this casserole warm with syrup on top. Maple syrup is a favorite, but you can use honey or agave too. For a fun touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. You can pair it with crispy bacon or fresh fruit on the side. Yogurt also makes a nice addition. These sides balance the sweetness of the casserole. {{image_2}} You can change up your baked French toast casserole in many fun ways. Want to try something new? Make a savory version! - Add cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy texture. - Toss in fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor. - Want some meat? Use crispy bacon or savory sausage for a hearty touch. These options give a tasty twist to the dish that everyone will love. You can also make this dish fit the seasons. - In fall, add pumpkin puree and warm spices like nutmeg and ginger. - For summer, mix in fresh peaches or blueberries. They add a sweet burst! Using seasonal fruits makes the casserole fresh and exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, it’s easy! - Just swap regular bread with gluten-free bread. - Keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free bread may bake faster. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish! To keep your baked French toast casserole fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the casserole is cool before putting it away. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you have two main options: the oven or the microwave. - Oven reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm it for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and helps the flavors shine. - Microwave reheating: If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Cut a portion and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes. This method is quick but may make it a bit soggy. Choose the method that best suits your time and taste! Yes, you can prep this casserole the night before. To do this, mix the eggs, milk, cream, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Then, add the bread cubes to soak. Let it rest in the fridge overnight. This helps the bread soak up all the flavor. In the morning, just bake it as normal. This saves time and makes breakfast easy. If you want a lighter option, use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. Almond milk works well too, but it may change the taste slightly. These substitutes keep the dish creamy and rich without heavy cream. You can store leftovers in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Enjoy your tasty breakfast again! This blog post covered the basics of making a delicious bread casserole. We explored key ingredients like brioche and eggs, along with tasty options for garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, baking, and cooling. You learned about tips for choosing bread and customizing flavor. Don’t forget the variations, from savory to seasonal. In my view, making this dish is fun and rewarding. You can easily tailor it to your taste. Enjoy testing out different fruits and spices to create your own perfect casserole!](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5fa2b09d-6300-4549-87d2-c50cfd6f4f67-250x250.webp)
Easy Baked French Toast Casserole
Start your mornings right with this delightful baked French toast casserole! Made with tender brioche or challah, fresh strawberries, and a rich custard mix, this easy recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Learn how to create this warm, gooey dish that everyone will love. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and impress your family with this delicious treat they'll be asking for again and again!