Description
Wake up to pure breakfast bliss with this effortless baked French toast casserole, featuring sweet strawberries and a tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf (about 1 lb) challah, brioche, or French bread, day-old, sliced 1-inch thick
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (divided)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries
- Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- 1. Prep Dish & Oven: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Layer Bread: Arrange half of the bread slices in a single layer in the prepared dish.
- 3. Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls over the first bread layer, then scatter half the sliced strawberries.
- 4. Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- 5. Assemble & Soak: Pour half of the custard over the first bread and strawberry layer. Add the remaining bread slices, then the rest of the cream cheese and strawberries. Pour the remaining custard evenly over everything. Gently press bread to soak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
- 6. Bake: Uncover and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and set. If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil. Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40-50 mins