Berry-Stuffed Sourdough French Toast Casserole
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There’s something magical about a breakfast casserole that’s as indulgent as it is practical. This Berry-Stuffed Sourdough French Toast Casserole is just that—a make-ahead dish that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough bread with bursts of sweet berries and a creamy custard.
Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, planning an elegant holiday breakfast, or just treating yourself to a cozy weekend morning, this casserole is sure to impress.
Perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, or Christmas morning, it’s the kind of dish that feels festive but is simple enough to prepare any time you’re craving something special.
If you’re in the mood for something savory instead, don’t miss our Savory Sourdough Breakfast Casserole—a family favorite that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying savory cravings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is more than just delicious—it’s versatile, nutrient-rich, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before for stress-free mornings.
Wholesome Ingredients: Sourdough bread provides slow-digesting carbs, while eggs and cream cheese bring protein and healthy fats.
Perfect for Celebrations: Its berry-stuffed sweetness makes it ideal for holidays like Mother’s Day, Easter, or Christmas, but it’s simple enough for a weekend indulgence.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This casserole is versatile enough for a variety of gatherings and special occasions:
Mother’s Day Brunch: Show Mom just how special she is with a breakfast as sweet and comforting as she deserves.
Christmas Morning: The cozy mix of berries, cream cheese, and cinnamon feels festive and indulgent. Prefer something savory? Don’t miss our Savory Sourdough Breakfast Casserole—a family favorite!
Easter Brunch: Pair it with savory sides like ham or deviled eggs for a stunning Easter spread.
Spring Gatherings: Its bright flavors and fresh presentation make it a natural choice for spring brunches.
Weekend Treat: Even without an occasion, this casserole turns an ordinary morning into something special.
Berry Stuffed Sourdough French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread
- For the best texture, bake your sourdough loaf at a low temperature until it’s dry and slightly toasted. Let it cool, then slice it into cubes. This step ensures the bread absorbs the custard beautifully.
- 2. Prep Your Baking Dish
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half the bread cubes in the dish, and layer evenly with half the cream cheese cubes and berries. Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and berries.
- 3. Mix the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
- 4. Pour and Soak
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread layers, ensuring every piece is coated. Gently press the bread down with a spoon to help it soak up the liquid.
- 5. Refrigerate Overnight
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld.
- 6. Bake to Perfection
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- 7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar. Pair with protein (see ideas below) to create a perfectly balanced plate.
Notes
Make-Ahead Options
- Night-Before Prep: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Freezer Prep: Assemble the dish (unbaked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cut baked portions, wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 325°F (160°C), covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Air Fryer: Crisp up slices at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this berry-stuffed masterpiece, gather the following:
For the Casserole:
1 loaf sourdough bread, cubed (approximately 6–8 cups; this one works beautifully)
1 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries; fresh or frozen)
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Zest of one lemon (for a bright, fresh kick)
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Bread
For the best texture, bake your sourdough loaf at a low temperature until it’s dry and slightly toasted. Let it cool, then slice it into cubes. This step ensures the bread absorbs the custard beautifully.
2. Prep Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half the bread cubes in the dish, and layer evenly with half the cream cheese cubes and berries. Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and berries.
3. Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour and Soak
Pour the custard evenly over the bread layers, ensuring every piece is coated. Gently press the bread down with a spoon to help it soak up the liquid.
5. Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld.
6. Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar. Pair with protein (see ideas below) to create a perfectly balanced plate.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Make-Ahead Options
Night-Before Prep: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Freezer Prep: Assemble the dish (unbaked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cut baked portions, wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Oven: Reheat at 325°F (160°C), covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.
Air Fryer: Crisp up slices at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Balancing the Plate: Protein and Carbs
Each serving of this casserole provides 12–13 g of protein and 45 g of carbs. To create a balanced breakfast that supports your metabolism, aim for around 30 g of total protein by adding one of these sides:
Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links: 2–3 pieces add 10–15 g of protein.
Turkey Bacon: 2 slices provide about 6–7 g of protein.
Eggs (Any Style): Each egg brings 6 g of protein—add 2 for a quick 12 g.
Bone Broth with Collagen: A comforting cup with collagen delivers 10–15 g of protein.
Glass of Milk with Collagen: Whole milk paired with collagen powder offers an easy 10–12 g of protein.
Example Balanced Breakfast Plates
Casserole + 2 Sausage Links + 1 Egg = ~31 g protein
Casserole + 1 Cup Bone Broth with Collagen + 2 Slices Turkey Bacon = ~32 g protein
Casserole + 1 Cup Whole Milk with Collagen + 1 Egg = ~30 g protein
Why Balance Matters: Pairing carbs, protein, and fats helps stabilize your blood sugar and keeps your energy steady all morning long. This approach supports a healthy metabolism and ensures you feel satisfied until your next meal.
This Berry-Stuffed Sourdough French Toast Casserole isn’t just a recipe—it’s a way to elevate your mornings, celebrate special occasions, and nourish your body. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive holiday or a casual weekend, it’s a dish everyone will love.
Enjoy every bite! Hugs!
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Updated on: 01/15/2025
