Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With juicy strawberries and a hint of sweetness from preserves and brown sugar, it’s perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions. Easy to prepare ahead and bake in the morning, it brings cozy comfort to your table.

Ingredients

• 6 cups day-old bread or French bread, cubed
• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
• 2 cups strawberries, diced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish. Drizzle the strawberry preserves over the bread cubes.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the diced strawberries evenly over the bread and preserves layer.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries, pressing lightly to help the bread soak up the custard.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of the casserole to add a caramelized sweetness.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set further.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
• Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for warm spice flavors.
• Substitute fresh raspberries or blueberries for strawberries for a different berry twist.
• For a richer dish, replace some or all of the milk with half-and-half or cream.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Day-old French bread or a sturdy white bread works best as it holds up well to the custard without becoming too mushy.

Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 123 reviews

Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy-to-make breakfast dish featuring cubed day-old bread soaked in a rich custard blend, layered with fresh diced strawberries and sweet strawberry preserves, then baked to golden perfection. This casserole offers a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy texture, making it an ideal brunch centerpiece for family gatherings or special occasions.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 6 cups day-old bread or French bread, cubed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Fruit

• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
• 2 cups strawberries, diced

Custard Mixture

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Begin by cubing 6 cups of day-old French bread into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the bread will absorb the custard mixture well without becoming too soggy.
2. Layer Bread and Preserves: In a greased casserole dish, spread half of the bread cubes evenly. Dot with half of the 1/4 cup strawberry preserves and sprinkle half of the diced strawberries over the top.
3. Repeat Layering: Add the remaining bread cubes over the first layer. Then top with the rest of the strawberry preserves and diced strawberries, creating a beautiful layered effect.
4. Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
5. Combine Custard and Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries, pressing gently to ensure all bread pieces absorb the liquid. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak.
6. Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. This helps the casserole to firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.

Notes

• Using day-old bread is critical for optimal soaking; fresh bread may become too mushy.
• Feel free to substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variation.
• For extra richness, replace some of the milk with cream.
• This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight for convenience.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for added flavor.
• Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar for additional sweetness.

Keywords: strawberry, french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, baked french toast, strawberry preserves, brunch