There’s something almost magical about the smell of baked goods wafting through the house on a sleepy Sunday morning, isn’t there? It always reminds me of cozy brunches with family, where laughter mingled with the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. If I close my eyes, I can almost hear the clinking of forks against plates, the joyful chatter, and the sweet, sweet sound of a big family gathering. And that’s where my beloved Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole comes into play! It’s rich, buttery, and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness to make it feel indulgent yet comforting.

This casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a hug on a plate! Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just because it’s Sunday, this dish will warm your heart and fill your belly. Plus, it’s a total showstopper that will impress anyone who tries it—trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket. Let’s dive into this fantastic way to enjoy French toast without standing over the stove flipping slices for hours!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Prep: You can assemble it the night before, making mornings a breeze.
• Decadent Flavor: The creamy cheese layered between fluffy bread makes for a delightful contrast.
• Customizable: Adapt to your taste with toppings like fresh fruit, syrups, or nuts.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for brunch parties or family gatherings; everyone will want seconds!
• Comfort Food: Nothing beats that warm, gooey goodness straight from the oven.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful French Toast Casserole to life:

• 1 loaf of thick bread (like challah, brioche, or Texas toast)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)
• Fresh berries or sliced bananas (optional, but highly recommended!)

Notes:

• Using stale or day-old bread is perfect for this recipe, as it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.
• Feel free to experiment with flavored cream cheese—strawberry or honey can add a fun twist!
• Using fresh eggs will give you a richer flavor and better texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s make this deliciousness happen!

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly. Don’t skip this step!
2. Prepare the bread: Cut your loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. A serrated knife works wonders here—no squishing the bread!
3. Make the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in 1/4 cup of sugar and mix until well combined.
4. Layer it up: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes on the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Layer the remaining bread on top.
5. Whisk the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until super well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese.
6. Press it down: Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it soaks up all that eggy goodness.
7. Cover and refrigerate: If you’re making this the night before, cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. If you’re baking it right away, go ahead and skip this step!
8. Bake: Remove the casserole from the fridge, if applicable, and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You want it golden and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean (or with just a few crumbs).
9. Serve: Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh berries or bananas if desired. Enjoy!

Remember to keep an eye on it towards the end of baking—the last thing you want is for it to overbake and be dry. A light golden-brown top is what you’re after!

Pro Tips & Variations

Why not get a little creative with your casserole? Here are some fun twists to make this dish uniquely yours:

• Fruit Delight: Add in layers of sliced apples or peaches for added fruitiness.
• Nuts Galore: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Choco-Love: Want to satisfy a chocolate craving? Add chocolate chips into the mix or dust the top with cocoa for extra flavor.
• Spicy Twist: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add warm, spicy notes that are perfect for fall.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking—some people prefer to cut back on sugar, while others love it sweetened! Additionally, for a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and almond milk, though it may slightly alter the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

When serving this casserole, I love to present it on a beautiful platter with a drizzle of syrup and lots of fresh fruit on the side. It pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a refreshing fruit juice. If you’re feeling extra fancy, why not add a dollop of whipped cream on top? Just imagine digging your fork into the fluffy layers, creamy bites of cheese, and bright bursts of berries or bananas. Truly heavenly!

This dish makes for an excellent centerpiece at brunch gatherings. I can guarantee your guests will be oohing and aahing over each delicious bite!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze it before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it should keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
• Reheat: To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You may want to cover it with foil to prevent over-browning.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can comfortably assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning. It’s perfect for lazy Sundays or entertaining guests!

What’s the best type of bread to use for French toast casseroles?

Thick, airy bread like challah or brioche is ideal for soaking up the egg mixture without getting too soggy. You could also use French bread or even leftover bagels in a pinch!

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use a reduced-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, try vegan cream cheese or layered nut butter for a unique twist!

How can I make this gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free bread of your choice. Just ensure it’s thick and hearty to hold up to the custard mixture!

What toppings do you recommend?

We love a good drizzle of maple syrup, but fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas add a delightful touch. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving for a touch of elegance!

Conclusion

I hope you’re feeling inspired to make this incredible Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole! It’s an experience that not only nourishes the body but also creates beautiful memories around the table. I’d love to hear from you—let me know how it turns out for you and what variations you tried! Happy cooking, my friend!

Ultimate Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe!

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate brunch experience with this baked cream cheese French toast casserole, the perfect comfort food for gatherings. 151 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 loaf of thick bread (like challah, brioche, or Texas toast)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

6 large eggs

2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)

Fresh berries or sliced bananas (optional, but highly recommended!)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the bread: Cut your loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes.

Make the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in 1/4 cup of sugar and mix until well combined.

Layer it up: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes on the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Layer the remaining bread on top.

Whisk the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until super well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese.

Press it down: Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it soaks up all that eggy goodness.

Cover and refrigerate: Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate if making it the night before.

Bake: Remove the casserole from the fridge if applicable and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes.

Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh berries or bananas if desired.

Notes

This baked cream cheese French toast casserole is rich, buttery, and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family mornings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Brunch
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 15 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Keywords: French toast, casserole, brunch, comfort food, baked goods