Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering breakfast that combines the rich, custardy goodness of French toast with the sweet, vibrant burst of fresh strawberries. This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is not just a meal—it's a morning miracle that will transform your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
- Wash and slice fresh strawberries into thin, even pieces. Distribute the strawberry slices throughout the bread cubes, ensuring even coverage.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and strawberries, making sure to saturate all the bread cubes evenly. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, creating a custardy texture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with additional fresh strawberries before serving.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old brioche for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture perfectly.
- Strawberry Preparation: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries and slice them evenly to ensure consistent flavor and distribution throughout the casserole.
- Soaking Time Matters: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that dreamy, custardy texture.
- Prevent Burning: If the top browns too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent burning while ensuring the center cooks thoroughly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your casserole with toppings like whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 180mg
