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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Berries

Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make overnight French toast casserole featuring custardy bread soaked overnight and fresh or frozen berries, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the baking dish)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with 2 tablespoons melted butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Cube the day-old French bread or brioche into 1-inch pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and well combined.
  4. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then gently fold to combine. The bread should be moist but not swimming.
  5. Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh or frozen mixed berries, being careful not to crush them.
  6. Pour the soaked bread and berry mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight or at least 6 hours.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (a knife inserted should come out clean). Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  9. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or whipped cream.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best soaking results. Avoid over-soaking to prevent sogginess. Gently fold in berries to keep them intact. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. Rotate casserole halfway through baking for even color. For a crispier top, sprinkle brown sugar before baking. Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, berry breakfast casserole, easy breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/easy-overnight-french-toast-casserole-with-berries-perfect-for-breakfast/