Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is an innovative twist to the classic French toast. It involves a creamy layer of cream cheese and juicy strawberries nestled between soft bread cubes, all baked to perfection. It's an ideal breakfast or brunch dish, effortlessly balancing sweetness and tartness from the ripe strawberries, making it a delight to wake up to.

Photos of Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

The majority of the ingredients required for this Strawberry French Toast Casserole are common household items. However, attention should be given to the type of cream cheese used. The recipe calls for full-fat block cream cheese, which might not be readily available in all homes. It offers a richer and creamier consistency compared to spreadable or reduced-fat cream cheese.

Ingredients for Strawberry French Toast Casserole

French bread: The base of the casserole, it provides texture and absorbs all the flavors well.

Cream cheese: Adds a creamy, rich layer to the casserole. Full-fat block cream cheese is recommended for optimal taste.

Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer and also used for dusting the final product for presentation.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.

Eggs: They help to bind all the ingredients together and add a rich flavor.

Whole milk: It adds creaminess to the egg mixture.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the casserole.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture and gives the baked casserole a nice caramelized top.

Strawberries: The star ingredient that brings a fresh, sweet-tart flavor to the casserole.

One reader, Kriste Mccorkle says:

This strawberry French toast casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and fluffy French bread is simply divine. It's the perfect dish for a special brunch or lazy weekend breakfast. Plus, it's so easy to make! Highly recommend trying it out.

Kriste Mccorkle

Techniques Required for Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

How to prepare the casserole: A step-by-step guide on assembling the casserole, including layering the bread, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries, and pouring the egg mixture over the top.

How to bake the casserole: Instructions on preheating the oven, baking the casserole, and checking for doneness.

How To Make Strawberry French Toast Casserole

The sweet and tangy strawberry French toast is now a casserole dish. Layers of berry and bread are made creamy and sweet in this French toast casserole.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Soak Time: 3 hours

Total: 4 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

14ozloaf french bread,or sourdough bread or challah
8ozfull-fat block cream cheese,softened to room temperature
2tbspconfectioners’ sugar
2tsppure vanilla extract,divided
8large eggs
2cupswhole milk
½tspground cinnamon
⅔cupbrown sugar,packed light or dark
2cupsstrawberries,(325g), sliced or chopped

For Optional Serving:

confectioners’ sugar
maple syrup

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or spray with nonstick spray. Slice and cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread half of the cubes into the prepared baking pan.
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
Drop random spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top of the bread. Top with most of the strawberries, reserve a couple of chopped strawberries for the top, and the remaining bread cubes. Place any reserved strawberries on top. Set aside.
Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla extract together until combined. Pour over the bread. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator for 3 hours to overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove pan from the refrigerator.
Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes or until golden brown on top. If the top is browning too quickly as it bakes, loosely cover the pan with foil.
Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 280.80kcal
Fat: 11.84g
Saturated Fat: 5.63g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.31g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.31g
Carbohydrates: 33.41g
Fiber: 1.29g
Sugar: 16.66g
Protein: 10.33g
Cholesterol: 148.86mg
Sodium: 335.56mg
Calcium: 112.28mg
Potassium: 215.50mg
Iron: 2.13mg
Vitamin A: 141.48µg
Vitamin C: 14.90mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

To ensure your strawberry french toast casserole is moist and flavorful, it's crucial to let the bread soak up the egg and milk mixture for at least 3 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a custard-like texture throughout the casserole. Additionally, using a full-fat cream cheese will give your casserole a richer, creamier taste and texture. Lastly, don't forget to loosely cover the casserole with foil if it's browning too quickly. This will prevent the top from burning while the inside continues to cook.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Prep ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This way, you can simply pop it in the oven the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by using pre-sliced bread instead of slicing and cutting a loaf of French bread. This will cut down on prep time and make the process more efficient.

Quick assembly: Streamline the assembly process by layering the bread, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries in the baking pan. This will help you save time and effort while preparing the casserole.

Efficient mixing: Use an electric mixer to quickly and evenly combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture without spending extra time on manual mixing.

Bake in advance: Consider baking the casserole in advance and reheating individual portions as needed. This can be a time-saving option for busy mornings or when serving a large group.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

french bread - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche bread has a rich and buttery flavor that will add a delicious touch to the casserole.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in sweet dishes like this casserole.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the dish.
whole milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical flavor and creaminess to the casserole.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the dish.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries provide a similar tartness and bright flavor that complements the dish well.

Presenting Your Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Elevate the plating: Arrange the strawberry French toast casserole on a pristine white plate, ensuring that each element is showcased beautifully. Use a delicate garnish of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a crunchy element to the dish, such as a caramelized sugar tuile or a crisp almond brittle, to provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the casserole.
Utilize fresh, seasonal berries: Select the ripest, most vibrant strawberries available and artfully place them on the plate to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.
Create a harmonious balance of flavors: Pair the casserole with a drizzle of high-quality maple syrup to enhance the sweetness and add a luxurious touch to the overall flavor profile.
Consider the visual appeal: Pay attention to the composition of the plate, ensuring that the dish is visually appealing and inviting. The presentation should entice the diners and create a sense of anticipation.
Incorporate a touch of finesse: Add a quenelle of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to the plate, elevating the dish and providing a delightful contrast to the warm casserole.
Highlight the layers: Emphasize the layers of the casserole by serving it in a clear glass dish, allowing the diners to appreciate the beautiful strata of bread, cream cheese, and strawberries.
Use edible flowers as a garnish: Introduce a touch of sophistication by adorning the plate with edible flowers, such as pansies or violas, to add a delicate and visually stunning element to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Oven: Used for baking and roasting food items.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
Whisk: Used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
Baking pan: Used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
Handheld or stand mixer: Used for mixing and beating ingredients together with ease.
Plastic wrap or aluminum foil: Used for covering and storing food items in the refrigerator.
Knife: Used for slicing and cutting ingredients.
Butter or nonstick spray: Used for greasing baking pans and dishes to prevent sticking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Spatula: Used for flipping, turning, and serving food items.
Confectioners' sugar sifter: Used for sifting confectioners' sugar evenly over dishes.
Baking sheet: Used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.

Storing and Freezing Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prepare the recipe through step 4. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day or freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then continue with step 5.
You can freeze the baked and cooled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F (177°C) for 35 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole, but it's best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
To make ahead: Prepare the recipe through step 4 and refrigerate for up to 1 day or freeze up to 2 months. Continue with step 5. Bake as directed. Baked casserole can be frozen up to 3 months.
If you're planning to make this strawberry french toast casserole ahead of time, it's best to assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and custardy texture.

How To Reheat Leftover Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover strawberry french toast casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
Microwave individual portions of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. To prevent the casserole from becoming soggy, place a damp paper towel over the plate while microwaving.
For a crispy texture, reheat the casserole in a skillet or on a griddle. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add slices of the casserole and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat individual portions of the casserole. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole pieces in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy method, use a toaster oven to reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the casserole on a toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on top.

Interesting Fact About Strawberry French Toast Casserole

The French toast casserole is a delightful brunch dish that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining. It's a versatile recipe that allows for various fruit additions, such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, providing a burst of flavor.

Is Making Strawberry French Toast Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?

This strawberry French toast casserole recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as French bread, cream cheese, and strawberries, are relatively affordable and readily available. The dish can be a budget-friendly option for a family breakfast or brunch. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its delicious flavor, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness.

Is Strawberry French Toast Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?

This strawberry french toast casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High in fat and calories: The recipe uses full-fat cream cheese, whole milk, and a significant amount of bread, which contribute to its high calorie and fat content.
Refined sugars: The use of confectioners' sugar and brown sugar adds to the overall sugar content of the dish.
Low in fiber: White bread is typically low in fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Lack of nutritional diversity: The recipe primarily consists of bread, dairy, and eggs, lacking a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients like whole grains, nuts, or seeds.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Swap white bread for whole grain bread to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.
Reduce the amount of cream cheese and replace some of it with Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
Cut back on the sugar by using less confectioners' sugar and brown sugar, or opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Incorporate more fresh fruits, such as adding a layer of mixed berries, to boost the vitamin and antioxidant content.
Serve the casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad to balance out the meal and add more nutrients.

Editor's Opinion on This Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

The strawberry French toast casserole recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. The use of cream cheese adds a rich and luxurious texture, while the strawberries provide a burst of freshness. The make-ahead nature of this dish makes it perfect for entertaining or a special weekend breakfast. The balance of sweetness and the warm hint of cinnamon make this recipe a standout. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a brunch centerpiece or a comforting dessert. Overall, it's a delightful and indulgent treat that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: For a refreshing and tangy side, grill some asparagus and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for a burst of flavor.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts until crispy, then drizzle with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze for a delicious accompaniment to the casserole.

Honey Roasted Carrots with Thyme: Toss carrots in honey and thyme, then roast until caramelized for a sweet and savory side that pairs perfectly with the strawberry french toast casserole.

Delicious Alternatives to Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These skewers are a perfect way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one dish. The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra depth of flavor to the veggies.

Braised Beef Stew: This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy night in. The tender beef and flavorful broth will warm you up from the inside out.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These refreshing popsicles are a great way to cool down on a hot day. The combination of sweet mango and creamy coconut is a tropical treat.

Ideal Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with This Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game with these colorful and refreshing caprese skewers. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a delightful and elegant starter.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and flavorful stir fry with thinly sliced beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce. Pair it with steamed rice for a delicious and balanced dinner option.

Why trust this Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful strawberry French toast casserole experience. The combination of cream cheese and strawberries adds a luscious and indulgent touch. The use of whole milk ensures a rich and creamy texture, while the brown sugar and cinnamon infuse warm, comforting flavors. The step-by-step instructions and the inclusion of pure vanilla extract promise a delectable outcome. Trust in the expertise and passion behind this recipe, and savor a memorable breakfast or brunch treat.

Want to discuss this Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe further? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know your thoughts, variations, or any tips you might have!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even cinnamon swirl bread. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness and flavors accordingly.

Can I prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?

Absolutely! Preparing the casserole the night before and letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld together. Simply bake it in the morning as directed in the recipe.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with a different type of cheese?

While cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe ahead and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time and reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for the best taste and texture.