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Easy Patriotic French Toast Casserole Recipe for Overnight Prep

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A fuss-free, festive French toast casserole perfect for holiday mornings, featuring a custardy center, fresh berries, and an overnight soak for ideal texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups thick-cut bread (brioche or challah), cubed
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
  • Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with about 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Cube about 10 cups of thick-cut brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch cubes. Use stale bread if possible.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Optional: In a small bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well.
  5. Place half of the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. If using cream cheese, dollop half the mixture over the bread and swirl gently with a butter knife. Add the remaining bread cubes on top and repeat the cream cheese swirl if desired.
  6. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread layers, pressing gently down to help the bread soak. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Before baking, scatter 1 cup fresh blueberries and 1 cup sliced strawberries evenly on top of the casserole.
  10. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The edges should be slightly crisp and the center just firm to a gentle touch.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread to avoid sogginess. The overnight soak is essential for custardy texture. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. Frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, patriotic breakfast, overnight French toast, holiday brunch, easy breakfast casserole, berry French toast

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/easy-patriotic-french-toast-casserole-recipe-for-overnight-prep/