Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring layers of brioche bread cubes and mixed berries soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches, offering a warm, fruity, and comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 1 ½ cups mixed fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Extra berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom, then sprinkle half of the mixed berries over the bread.
- Layer Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the berries and then scatter the rest of the berries evenly over the bread.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and berries in the baking dish. Press down lightly to help the bread soak up the liquid. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes or until it is golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Add optional toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, and extra fresh berries as desired.
Notes
- This casserole is fantastic for holiday breakfasts or brunch gatherings, making feeding a crowd simple and delicious.
- For variation, swap the berries for chopped apples or peaches and add nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
