Description
A warm, berry-studded casserole that tastes like the coziest weekend brunch, perfect for holiday mornings or any time you want a special make-ahead breakfast.
Ingredients
- 10–12 ounces French bread, torn into pieces
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
- 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- a pinch of salt
- 4–6 ounces cream cheese, cut into small dollops
- Powdered sugar, for dusting before serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tear the French bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour the egg-and-milk mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so the bread soaks up the custard.
- Gently fold in the mixed berries, then add small dollops of cream cheese across the top.
- Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the cover and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while the oven heats.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar.
Notes
For richer flavor, brioche or challah can be used. For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American