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There’s something magical about starting your morning with the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. The Easy Strawberries & Cream French Toast | Best Make-Ahead Breakfast is a decadent dish that combines fluffy bread, creamy layers, and vibrant strawberries. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself, this make-ahead breakfast will elevate your morning routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient for Busy Mornings: Prepare everything the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Bursting with Flavor: Sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese create an irresistible combination.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for Mother’s Day, Easter brunch, or holiday mornings.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create this mouthwatering dish:
For the Macerated Strawberries
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Strawberries (hulled, quartered) | 1 pound (1 pint) |
Granulated sugar | 3 tablespoons |
Freshly squeezed lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
For the Casserole
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Challah or brioche bread (cubed) | 1 loaf (16 ounces) |
Cooking spray | As needed |
Cream cheese (cold, cubed) | 8 ounces |
Strawberry jam | 1 cup (divided) |
Large eggs | 6 |
Half-and-half | 2 cups |
Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
Pure vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Powdered sugar (for serving) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Macerated Strawberries
- In a bowl, combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Toss until the strawberries are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
2. Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Scatter half of the cream cheese cubes and dollop half of the strawberry jam over the bread.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and jam.
3. Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish.
- Press the bread gently with a spatula to help it soak up the custard.
4. Chill Overnight
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
5. Bake the French Toast Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Serve with Macerated Strawberries
- Top the baked casserole with the macerated strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Perfect Strawberries & Cream French Toast
1. Use Quality Bread
- Choose challah or brioche for a fluffy, slightly sweet base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
2. Don’t Skip the Chill Time
- Allowing the casserole to rest overnight ensures the bread absorbs all the custard for a rich, creamy texture.
3. Adjust Sweetness
- Add or reduce the sugar in the macerated strawberries and custard to match your taste preferences.
4. Experiment with Add-Ins
- Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
5. Make It Gluten-Free
- Use your favorite gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly option.
Creative Serving Ideas
1. Pair with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
2. Add a Fruit Compote
- Serve with a warm berry compote or drizzle of raspberry sauce.
3. Turn It Into a Dessert
- Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert.
4. Garnish with Fresh Mint
- Add a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Total Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Sugar | 20g |
Protein | 9g |
Sodium | 280mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
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FAQs About Strawberries & Cream French Toast
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended, you can use frozen ones. Thaw and drain them before macerating.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F until warm, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
4. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without the custard and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the custard before baking.
5. How can I make this dish lighter?
Substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk and use a reduced-sugar jam to cut down on calories.
6. What other fruits can I use?
You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a fun variation.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
The Easy Strawberries & Cream French Toast | Best Make-Ahead Breakfast is the ultimate blend of convenience and indulgence. Its creamy custard, sweet strawberries, and fluffy bread make it perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something special. With simple prep and show-stopping results, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Ready to Make This Delicious Breakfast?
Gather your ingredients and get started on this easy make-ahead dish. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a casual weekend morning, this strawberries and cream French toast casserole is guaranteed to delight. Explore More Breakfast Ideas to keep your mornings delicious and exciting!
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Easy Strawberries & Cream French Toast | Best Make-Ahead Breakfast
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Start your morning with a decadent, make-ahead breakfast that’s bursting with sweet, fruity flavor. The Easy Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole combines layers of fluffy bread, creamy custard, and vibrant strawberries for a dish that’s as comforting as it is beautiful. Perfect for brunch or any special occasion, this dish will become your go-to breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
For the Macerated Strawberries:
- 1 pound (1 pint) strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the French Toast Casserole:
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) challah or brioche bread, cubed
- Non-stick cooking spray (as needed)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cold and cubed
- 1 cup strawberry jam, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Macerated Strawberries:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Toss gently until the strawberries are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Scatter half of the cream cheese cubes and dollop half of the strawberry jam over the bread.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and jam.
3. Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish, ensuring every piece is soaked.
- Press the bread down gently with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.
4. Chill Overnight:
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Top the baked casserole with the macerated strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy with whipped cream, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American