Berry French Toast Casserole

Moist on the inside, slightly crispy on top, this Berry French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings or special occasions. Loaded with fresh strawberries and blueberries, this dish is bursting with juicy sweetness and warm, comforting flavors. Simply prep it the night before, let it soak, and pop it into the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast treat.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Easy & Convenient – Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning
• Perfect for a Crowd – Feeds a group without the hassle of flipping individual slices of French toast
• Customizable – Swap out berries, adjust sweetness, or add your favorite toppings

Taste & Texture

• Soft & Custardy – The soaked bread bakes into a rich, pudding-like consistency
• Golden & Crispy – The top layer develops a lightly caramelized crunch
• Fruity & Sweet – Fresh berries add a burst of natural sweetness

Dietary Attributes

• Vegetarian – No meat, making it a great option for vegetarians
• Can Be Made Dairy-Free – Swap out milk for almond or oat milk

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 12-14 cups French bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
• Maple syrup, as much as you want

Notes on Quality

• Bread – Day-old or slightly stale French bread works best, as it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy
• Milk – Whole milk can be used for a richer texture, or substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version
• Berries – Fresh berries are ideal, but frozen ones work too (no need to thaw before baking)

Possible Substitutions

• Bread Swap – Try brioche, challah, or sourdough for different textures
• Sugar Alternatives – Use coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar
• Fruit Variations – Add raspberries, blackberries, or even bananas for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with butter or vegetable oil. Cut French bread into cubes and add to the dish, filling about three-quarters of the way full.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined.
• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked.
• Slice strawberries and sprinkle them along with blueberries over the top of the casserole.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to let the bread absorb the custard mixture.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake for 35-50 minutes. Check at the 35-minute mark, and if the center is still soft, continue baking until golden brown and set.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for five minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use Stale Bread – This prevents the casserole from becoming too soggy
• Soak Overnight – The longer the bread soaks, the better the flavors blend
• Evenly Distribute the Custard – Press down on the bread gently after pouring the egg mixture to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid

Common Mistakes

• Not Letting It Rest – The casserole needs time to absorb flavors, so don’t skip the refrigeration step
• Overbaking – If baked too long, it can dry out; check it frequently after 35 minutes
• Using Too Fresh Bread – Soft bread can become too mushy, so let it sit out for a few hours before using

Time-Saving Tips

• Prep the Night Before – Assemble everything in the evening and bake in the morning
• Use Pre-Cut Bread – Save time by using pre-sliced bread or store-bought brioche cubes

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Savory Side – Serve with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs
• Fresh Additions – Add a side of Greek yogurt and granola for extra texture
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking

Presentation Ideas

• Layer with Extra Berries – Add fresh berries on top right before serving for a vibrant look
• Drizzle with Caramel – For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the casserole

Beverage Pairings

• Coffee or Latte – The rich, creamy texture pairs well with coffee flavors
• Orange Juice or Mimosa – A bright, citrusy drink balances the sweetness

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Reheating Methods

• Oven – Cover with foil and warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes
• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warm

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or sourdough all work great.

What if I don’t have fresh berries?
Frozen berries can be used without thawing first.

Troubleshooting

Why is my casserole too dry?
It may have baked too long. Try covering it with foil halfway through baking to retain moisture.

Why is it too soggy?
The bread might have been too fresh, or it didn’t bake long enough. Use day-old bread and bake until the center is set.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free – Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative
• Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free bread like Udi’s or homemade gluten-free brioche

Flavor Twists

• Chocolate Chip Version – Add a handful of chocolate chips for a sweeter take
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans before baking

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Fall Inspired – Add pumpkin spice and a drizzle of caramel for a cozy autumn treat
• Christmas Special – Mix in dried cranberries and a hint of nutmeg

Conclusion

This Berry French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast for holidays, brunches, or meal prepping. With its rich custard-soaked bread, juicy berries, and golden-brown top, it’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Looking for more delicious breakfast ideas? Try these next:

• Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Classic French Toast Recipe
• French Omelette with Fines Herbes

For more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest board!

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