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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Berries

overnight french toast casserole with berries - featured image
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A simple and comforting overnight French toast casserole layered with fresh or frozen berries, perfect for a hands-off, delicious breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups thick-cut bread cubes (day-old brioche or challah recommended)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries; fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Cube 8 cups of day-old brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces. If bread is fresh, lightly toast to dry it out (about 5 minutes).
  2. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
  3. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Scatter 1 cup of mixed berries over the bread, then layer the remaining bread cubes on top. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of berries.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth (3-4 minutes).
  5. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb fully. For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge if chilled and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until top is golden brown and custard is set (knife inserted should come out clean). Tent with foil if top browns too fast.
  7. Let casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with warm maple syrup if desired.

Notes

For best texture, lightly toast fresh bread cubes before soaking. Let the casserole soak overnight in the fridge for a custardy texture. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil. Frozen berries can be used without thawing. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread and plant-based milk. Optional additions include nuts or spices like nutmeg or cardamom.

Nutrition

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

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