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Easy Make-Ahead Patriotic French Toast Casserole

Easy Make-Ahead Patriotic French Toast Casserole - featured image
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A festive and fuss-free French toast casserole layered with thick-cut bread, custardy egg mixture, and fresh berries, perfect for holiday mornings and weekend brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf thick-cut bread (about 12–14 ounces / 340–400 g), ideally brioche or challah
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (about 150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (about 150 g) fresh blueberries, washed
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting before serving)

Instructions

  1. Cut the loaf into roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
  3. Scatter half the sliced strawberries and blueberries over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
  4. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and berries, gently pressing the bread down to soak up the liquid.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining strawberries and blueberries on top.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  8. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes until golden and set.
  9. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah bread for best custard absorption without sogginess. Refrigerate overnight for best texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Fresh berries preferred; if using frozen, thaw and drain well.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, patriotic breakfast, berry casserole, brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-make-ahead-patriotic-french-toast-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/