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Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

strawberry cream cheese french toast casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring layers of brioche, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 10 ounces / 280 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced (about 7 ounces / 200 grams)
  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • Pinch of salt
  • About 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and dotting on top)

Instructions

  1. Cut brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch cubes. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for about 15 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
  2. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the bread and spread gently to create a thin layer. Add half the sliced strawberries on top. Repeat layering with remaining bread, cream cheese, and strawberries.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Pour custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and strawberries. Press down gently with a spatula to encourage absorption. Let sit for at least 5 minutes or refrigerate covered for up to 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of butter.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until custard is set and top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah for best texture. Soften cream cheese before spreading to avoid clumps. Allow casserole to soak at least 5 minutes before baking; overnight soaking improves flavor and texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry, cream cheese, french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, easy breakfast, make-ahead, brunch, cinnamon, vanilla

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-strawberry-cream-cheese-french-toast-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/