Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: Prep the casserole the night before and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Sweet and Savory: Layers of creamy cream cheese and sweet strawberries combined with soft, fluffy French toast.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe makes 12 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings, brunch, or holiday celebrations.
- Delicious Topping: The homemade strawberry sauce adds a warm, fruity finish to the dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 slices home-style white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cold cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Step 1: Layer the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.
- Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the bread.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Pour half-and-half into a blender and pulse for a few seconds.
- Add the eggs and maple syrup to the blender, blending until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese layers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 45 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Sauce
- In a small saucepan, stir together sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Add the sliced strawberries and cook, stirring, until the strawberries soften, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in butter until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the casserole hot with the homemade strawberry sauce drizzled over the top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Additional time: 8 hours (refrigeration)
- Total time: 9 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Other Berries: Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a different fruity flavor.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added crunch.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the white bread with gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole without cream cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cream cheese for a lighter version, or substitute it with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the sauce?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for the sauce. Just make sure to thaw them before using.
Can I prepare the casserole without refrigerating it overnight?
Yes, you can skip the overnight refrigeration, but the casserole may not be as soft and may not absorb the egg mixture as thoroughly.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is golden brown on top, puffed up, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I add other flavorings to the egg mixture?
Yes, you can add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish to serve for a special breakfast or brunch. With its rich layers of creamy cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and sweet maple syrup, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Top it off with a warm, homemade strawberry sauce, and you’ve got a comforting, flavorful dish that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy this delicious, make-ahead treat any time you want a crowd-pleasing breakfast!
Strawberry French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for special occasions. Made with layers of creamy cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and sweet maple syrup, then baked to golden perfection, it’s topped with a homemade strawberry sauce for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing treat. Prepared the night before, this casserole makes mornings stress-free!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 slices home-style white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cold cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.
- Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared dish.
- Evenly distribute cream cheese cubes over the bread.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of sliced strawberries over the cream cheese.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Pour half-and-half into a blender and pulse briefly.
- Add eggs and maple syrup to the blender, blending until smooth.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Remove from the fridge 45 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Sauce
- In a small saucepan, mix sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add sliced strawberries and cook for 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in butter until smooth.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the casserole hot with strawberry sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
