Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, this forms the base of the casserole and soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.

Mixed berries: Fresh or frozen, these add a burst of fruity flavor and color to the dish.

Eggs: These provide structure and richness to the casserole.

Milk: Helps to create a custard-like consistency when combined with the eggs and cream.

Heavy cream: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.

Sugar: Sweetens the casserole and balances the tartness of the berries.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the custard mixture.

Ground cinnamon: Provides a hint of spice that complements the sweetness of the dish.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

To ensure your bread absorbs the egg mixture thoroughly, press down gently on the bread cubes after pouring the liquid over them. This helps to evenly distribute the custard and prevents dry spots in your casserole.

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it a great alternative for French toast.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah's soft texture and slight sweetness work well in a casserole.

• fresh or frozen mixed berries - Substitute with diced apples: Diced apples add a different but delightful fruitiness and texture.

• fresh or frozen mixed berries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins provide a chewy texture and natural sweetness.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg; this is a good vegan alternative.

• large eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu per egg; it provides a similar binding effect.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture similar to cow's milk.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture and a slight coconut flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a bit of floral flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant nutty flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract gives a sweet, rich flavor similar to vanilla.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon and adds additional warm spices.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a purer flavor.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer individual servings, cut the casserole into portions and place them in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick breakfast or snack.
• To freeze, wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
• For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you find the casserole a bit dry after reheating, drizzle with a little maple syrup or a splash of milk before serving to add moisture and enhance flavor.
• Garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful finishing touch.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to ensure your French toast casserole reheats evenly without drying out.

• Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish. If it’s already in one, you’re good to go. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

• Bake the covered casserole for about 20-25 minutes. Check to see if it’s heated through by inserting a knife or skewer into the center. If it comes out warm, it’s ready.

• For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will give the French toast that delightful golden-brown finish.

• If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent it from drying out.

• Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through. Be cautious, as microwaving can sometimes make the bread a bit soggy.

• For an extra touch, reheat individual portions in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Place a slice of the French toast casserole in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s heated through and has a nice, crispy exterior.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of the casserole in the air fryer basket.

• Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it’s not overcooking. The air fryer will give it a wonderfully crispy texture while keeping the inside moist.

• Serve your reheated Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra treat. Enjoy the delightful blend of berries and creamy French toast goodness!

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the bread, berries, and egg mixture while baking.

• Butter or cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Knife: Cuts the bread into cubes.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: Mixes the egg mixture thoroughly.

• Measuring cups: Measures the milk, heavy cream, and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measures the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt accurately.

• Spatula: Helps to evenly distribute the egg mixture over the bread and berries.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by using pre-sliced bread instead of cutting it yourself.

Frozen berries: Opt for frozen mixed berries to skip the washing and cutting steps.

Mix the night before: Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge.

Pre-grease the dish: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to streamline the assembly process.

Quick soak: Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for just 5 minutes if you're in a hurry.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you assemble the casserole to save time.