Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about the combination of strawberries and cream, especially when it’s transformed into a comforting breakfast dish. The Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is precisely that—a delightful blend of flavors that brings joy to both the cook and those at the table. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, making it an absolute favorite among family gatherings or Sunday brunches.

At the heart of this dish are some simple yet indulgent ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread, 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, and 1 cup of cream cheese. These elements combine wonderfully with 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 cups of sliced strawberries, creating a flavor profile that is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. The bright notes of the strawberries balance perfectly with the decadence of the cheesecake base, making each bite a piece of heaven.

This recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare. You start by cutting the French bread into cubes and placing it in a greased casserole dish. Then, you whisk together eggs, milk, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, you press it down to soak. A beautiful layer of sliced strawberries tops it off. The dish is covered and refrigerated overnight to develop flavors further. The next morning, you simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until golden, and serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast or a spectacular brunch spread, this casserole is perfect for various occasions. Imagine gathering family around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying each delicious bite. It’s also an ideal dish for potlucks or celebrations where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

• Quick to Prepare: Assemble everything the night before, and bake it in the morning.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and fresh strawberries.
• Comfort Food: It’s the perfect blend of sweetness and texture—a real treat.
• Serves a Crowd: Easily caters to family gatherings or brunches with friends.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepping it overnight saves you time and hassle in the morning.

Main Ingredient Tips

The star of this dish is undeniably French bread. When selecting your French bread, look for a loaf with a crusty exterior yet a tender interior. A fresh loaf will yield the best results, as day-old bread helps absorb the egg mixture better. If you can find it, a bakery or artisan French bread will elevate the flavor even further. For a unique twist, try an egg bread or brioche for a richer taste.

Options for Substitutions

• Use whole wheat bread instead of French bread for a healthier version.
• Swap almond milk or oat milk for regular milk to create a dairy-free casserole.
• Replace cream cheese with ricotta cheese for a different texture.
• Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar to sweeten naturally.
• Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for an exciting flavor variation.
• Add sliced bananas or blueberries along with the strawberries for more fruity goodness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

It’s easy to overlook some details when preparing this casserole. One common mistake is using fresh bread instead of stale bread. Fresh bread may become too soggy during soaking, while stale bread soaks in the mixture beautifully. It’s also essential not to skip the pressing-down step after pouring the egg mixture over the bread; this ensures that every cube gets adequately soaked.

Another pitfall is not covering the casserole while refrigerating. Covering it allows the flavors to meld and prevents the bread from drying out. Lastly, be cautious with the baking time. If left in the oven too long, the casserole can become dry. Keep an eye on it, and enjoy the delightful aroma as it bakes.

What to Serve With Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory complement. A fresh fruit salad can brighten the plate and add a refreshing touch. Additionally, a rich yogurt parfait with granola and berries makes for an excellent side, giving a nice contrast to the sweet casserole.

Storage Instructions

Store: The casserole can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to retain freshness.

Freeze: If you would like to freeze leftovers, it can be kept for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Reheat: To reheat, place portions on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through or microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid scorching.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight refrigeration)
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 8 servings

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 2,400 – 2,800
Protein: 90 – 110g
Fat: 120 – 150g
Carbohydrates: 250 – 300g

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• Powdered sugar (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Bread

Begin by cutting the loaf of French bread into cubes. Place the bread cubes in a greased casserole dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to press down on the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked thoroughly with the mixture.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries

Top the soaked bread with 2 cups of sliced strawberries, evenly spreading them over the entire surface. Feel free to tuck some berries in between the bread cubes for more flavor.

Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture and flavors to meld.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until it is golden brown and set in the center. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

In summary, the Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and joy to any breakfast or brunch table. Its combination of flavors, along with the convenience of overnight preparation, makes it a must-try for home cooks of all ages. Don’t hesitate to give it a shot, and feel free to share your experience in the comments below or explore other delicious recipes on our blog!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole without eggs?

Yes, you can use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mix as an egg substitute. Generally, a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can make substitutions such as using whole wheat bread, reducing the sugar, or using low-fat cream cheese. Adding more fruits also enhances nutrition while keeping it delicious.

Can I prepare this casserole without strawberries?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit you like, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples, to create different flavor combinations.

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