Berry French Toast Casserole
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Table Talk with Tawnie
This Berry French Toast Casseroles is one of my favorite overnight recipes to make ahead of time and then bake on holiday mornings because it means there is less hands-on time in the kitchen and more time spent with family and friends. It’s full of cozy and comforting flavors and just feels like a warm hug! This recipe is a timeless classic, and I know it will be requested year-round and not just on special occasions! I’m excited for you to make it and can’t wait to hear what you think!
If you’re a big French Toast lover, be sure to also check out my French Toast Muffins, Cinnamon French Toast Bagels, and Pumpkin French Toast Casserole for more delicious recipes!
Ingredient Notes
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
- French Bread: The heart and soul of French toast casserole! This recipe is perfect for slightly stale French bread as the stale-ness helps in absorbing the egg mixture and preventing soggy French toast.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for this recipe. You’ll end up whisking the eggs with the milk and that mixture soaks into the bread pieces to create that soft, egg-y, French toast texture.
- Whole Milk: you could also use some heavy cream for an even more indulgent and rich casserole!
- Vanilla: Adds a sweet, warm flavor to the casserole.
- Granulated Sugar: This will be mixed with the milk and eggs so it adds a bit of sweetness that gets soaked up into the bread pieces as the casserole bakes.
- Ground Cinnamon: You’ll use ground cinnamon both in the milk and egg mixture as well as the cinnamon streusel topping.
- Strawberries & Blueberries: Because you can’t have a Berry French Toast Casserole without some berries! Make sure to cut the strawberries into pieces before adding to the pan.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter cut into cubes to create the streusel topping.
- Brown Sugar: This will mix with cinnamon and butter to create the delicious streusel topping!
- Optional Toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Prepare the streusel topping
Mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cubes of cold butter and press into the dry ingredients until it’s crumbly. Cover and place in the fridge.
Prepare egg mixture & pour over bread
Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Place torn pieces of French bread in a casserole dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the torn bread pieces.
Add the berries & chill!
Add the diced strawberries and blueberries to the casserole dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Add streusel & bake!
Sprinkle the streusel mixture all over the top. Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, or until set. Make sure to allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Add extra toppings then, dig in! 🍴
Sprinkle with more berries and top with powdered sugar and/or syrup as desired. Enjoy!!!
Best Breads for French Toast
Technically, most breads will work but there are some better options to use.
- French baguette or a crusty sourdough loaf: Thick, yummy French or sourdough bread is a great choice. It’s soft on the inside, sturdy/holds up well, and is chewy. Sightly stale bread is best for making French toast because stale bread absorbs more of the egg mixture than fresh bread will.
- Brioche is a very popular and loved bread to use. It tastes amazing, is soft and fluffy, and soaks up the egg custard perfectly. It’s sweet, buttery and oh-so delicious.
- Challah: also sturdy and an absolutely delicious choice for French toast.
- Any thick-sliced white bread: think like “Texas toast” bread.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to not over-bake this casserole!
- You want to make sure to allow the casserole to sit long enough in the fridge so the bread is able to absorb all the liquids. Not letting it sit long enough can make it soggy.
- Add texture/crunch by adding the streusel on top of nuts!
Variations
I love this Berry French Toast Casserole as is, but if you’re looking to switch things up a bit, here are some ideas:
- Toss in some chocolate chips between the bread layers!
- Add some pumpkin pie spice for a Fall twist and serve with whipped cream.
- Add bananas and walnuts for a Banana Nut French Toast Casserole!
- For a savory spin, add in sausage, bacon, feta, cheddar, or a variety of sautéed veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FAQs
Do I need to use stale bread?
No, but day old bread is usually recommended.
Can I make this casserole the same day I want to serve it?
As long as it’s able to sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Why is my French Toast Casserole soggy?
You need to allow the casserole to soak in the fridge long enough. If you rush this process it may be soggy. Your bread may be also too fresh.
Can I freeze the casserole?
You can prepare it in advance (not bake it yet) and freeze it. Cover it with plastic wrap and then foil, label it and freeze it for up to 3-4 months. To bake, remove from freezer and preheat oven. Remove plastic wrap and foil. Recover with foil and place frozen pan directly into oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, removing foil after first 20 minutes.
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Berry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 tbsp. vanilla
- ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup strawberries (diced)
- 1 cup blueberries
- maple syrup, for serving
- powdered sugar, for serving
For the streusel topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- pinch salt
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Make the streusel first: combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Then cut in the butter (I usually just use my fingers for this part) and mix/press into the dry ingredients until it’s crumbly. Cover and place in the fridge.¼ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed, ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon, pinch salt, ¼ cup unsalted butter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.8 large eggs, 2 ½ cups whole milk, 1 tbsp. vanilla, ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon, ½ tsp. salt, ½ cup granulated sugar
- Grease a 9×13 pan with baking spray. Tear the French bread into pieces and place in the prepared 9×13 pan. Pour this over the French bread. Pour evenly so no bread pieces are left dry.1 loaf French bread
- Add the diced strawberries and blueberries over the top.1 cup strawberries, 1 cup blueberries
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Sprinkle the streusel all over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until set. Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with more fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.maple syrup, for serving, powdered sugar, for serving
Video
Notes
- Make ahead: For the overnight option, be sure to keep the streusel on the side until you’re ready to bake.
- Storage: store any leftovers in an air-tight container for 3-4 days.
- Variations: toss in some chocolate chips between the bread layers, add some pumpkin pie spice for a Fall twist, and serve with whipped cream; add bananas and walnuts, or for a savory spin, add in sausage, bacon, feta, cheddar, or a variety of sauteed veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé
