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Easy Make-Ahead Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

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A comforting and simple make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring layers of custardy bread, tangy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for busy mornings and adaptable for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche or challah recommended)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups (10 to 12 slices) of day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom.
  5. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture in small spoonfuls over the bread, then scatter 1 cup of sliced strawberries on top.
  6. Repeat layering with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and strawberries.
  7. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake casserole for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar (optional) and slicing to serve.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture to avoid sogginess. Blend cream cheese with sugar and vanilla before layering to prevent clumps. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Can swap strawberries for other berries or fruit. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives. Gluten-free bread can be used if sturdy enough. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, strawberry casserole, make-ahead breakfast, cream cheese, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, strawberry cream cheese, overnight casserole

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