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Fluffy Strawberry French Toast Casserole

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A fluffy and flavorful French toast casserole bursting with fresh strawberries, perfect for an easy homemade breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups (about 450g) of brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces. Hull and slice 2 cups (about 300g) of fresh strawberries. Set aside.
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
  3. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the strawberries over them. Repeat with the remaining bread and strawberries to create two layers.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups (480ml) whole milk or half-and-half, ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and strawberries, pressing gently with a spatula to help the bread soak it up. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Serve warm.

Notes

Use brioche or challah bread for best texture. Let bread soak in custard for 15-20 minutes or overnight in the fridge for extra fluffiness. Cover with foil during first half of baking to keep moist, then remove foil to crisp the top. Avoid overbaking to keep the center custardy. Fresh strawberries add brightness; toss lightly with sugar and lemon juice if desired but do not mix too early to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, strawberry breakfast, easy brunch recipe, fluffy French toast, homemade breakfast, strawberry casserole

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/fluffy-strawberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-breakfast-idea/