This Berry French Toast Casserole is a baked breakfast made with sourdough bread, fresh berries, and a lightly sweetened custard. It's simple to prep and bakes up soft and custardy in the center with a set, golden top.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Berry French Toast Casserole
🕒 Ready In: ~1 hour 15 minutes
👪 Serves: 8-10 servings
🍽 Calories: ~120 calories per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Sourdough bread, eggs, milk, maple syrup, mixed berries
📖 Dietary Info: Vegetarian; can be made dairy-free and gluten-free
👌 Difficulty: Easy - simple soak-and-bake breakfast casserole
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Unlike overnight versions, this french toast casserole only needs a short soak before baking. The sourdough bread absorbs the custard quickly, making it perfect for same-day brunch or weekend breakfasts.
If you're looking for more easy breakfast recipes, try our Breakfast Vegetable Stack, Baked Blueberry Oatmeal, Smoked Sausage Hash or Crustless Spinach Quiche.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Berry French Toast Casserole:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Berry French Toast Casserole FAQs:
- More Breakfast Recipes You'll Love
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- Berry French Toast Casserole
Why You'll Love this Berry French Toast Casserole:
No overnight soak needed: A short soak time means you can prep and bake this casserole the same day.
Soft and custardy: Sourdough bread absorbs the custard beautifully, creating a tender center with a set top.
Lightly sweetened: Maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the berries.
Perfect for a crowd: This baked french toast casserole serves multiple people and slices easily for brunch or holidays.
Fresh berry flavor: Strawberries and blueberries add bright flavor and color throughout every bite.
Key Ingredients:
- sourdough bread. Holds its structure well and absorbs the custard without becoming soggy. Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal, it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- eggs. The eggs bind everything together and give the dish its soft, rich texture.
- milk. Adds moisture and helps the bread become tender throughout. Whole milk, almond, or oat milk will work.
- fresh berries. Add natural sweetness and flavor. Feel free to swap in raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend depending on what you have on hand.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Make it gluten-free: Use Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread in place of regular sourdough for a gluten-free berry french toast casserole.
- Swap the berries: Raspberries or blackberries can be used in place of strawberries or blueberries, or use a mix of all three.
- Make it dairy-free: Use Homemade Almond Milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- Use frozen berries: Frozen berries can be used without thawing; add a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
- Add extra flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest adds warmth and brightness without changing the texture.
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole:
- Cut the loaf of bread into cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Pour over the bread cubes and allow to sit for 15 minutes, mixing occasionally to evenly coat the bread.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter.
- Fold the berries into the bread mixture then transfer everything to the baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 55-60 minutes. Remove and serve with additional berries and maple syrup.
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Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Use slightly stale bread: Day-old or slightly dry bread will soak up the egg mixture better without falling apart, giving the casserole a nice texture.
- Let the bread soak fully: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. You can also cover and refrigerate it overnight for an easy make-ahead option.
- Grease the baking dish well: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Check for doneness: The casserole is ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown. If it's browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Customize the fruit: Use your favorite fresh or frozen berries, or a combination, for variety. If using frozen, don't thaw first to avoid excess moisture.
- Serve with toppings: Try extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop Blueberry Compote or Honey Lemon Curd for a finishing touch.
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Berry French Toast Casserole FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble berry french toast casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Cover it tightly and bake the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
Yes, frozen berries can be used without thawing. Keep in mind they may release extra moisture, so the casserole may need a few additional minutes in the oven.
Using sturdy bread like sourdough, allowing a brief soak, and baking until the center is fully set helps prevent sogginess. Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking also helps it firm up.
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Berry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (20 ounces) sourdough bread
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup blueberries
Instructions
- Cut the loaf of bread into cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Pour over the bread cubes and allow to sit for 15 minutes, mixing occasionally to evenly coat the bread.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter.
- Fold the berries into the bread mixture then transfer everything to the baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 55-60 minutes. Remove and serve with additional berries and maple syrup.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread: Day-old or slightly dry bread will soak up the egg mixture better without falling apart, giving the casserole a nice texture.
- Let the bread soak fully: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. You can also cover and refrigerate it overnight for an easy make-ahead option.
- Grease the baking dish well: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Check for doneness: The casserole is ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown. If it's browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Customize the fruit: Use your favorite fresh or frozen berries, or a combination, for variety. If using frozen, don't thaw first to avoid excess moisture.
- Serve with toppings: Try extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop Blueberry Compote or Honey Lemon Curd for a finishing touch.
Kae says
Our favorite weekend breakfast recipe!