Galentines Strawberry French Toast

Celebrate your favorite friends with this Galentines Brunch Strawberry French Toast Casserole. This festive, make-ahead dish features sweet strawberries and creamy custard-soaked brioche topped with a golden, crunchy finish, making it the perfect centerpiece for a sharing-style brunch.

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With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, this easy vegetarian breakfast bake combines classic ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, and cinnamon to create a decadent meal that serves up to eight people.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf (about 500 g) brioche or challah, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
• 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
• 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 1/4 cup (30 g) sliced almonds (optional)
• Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and extra strawberries for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2

Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Top with half the strawberries. Repeat with remaining bread and strawberries.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread and strawberries, pressing down lightly to soak.

Step 4

For the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in almonds, if using.

Step 5

Sprinkle topping evenly over casserole. Cover with foil and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven heats.

Step 7

Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes, until golden and set.

Step 8

Let cool 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with maple syrup and extra strawberries.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, allow the casserole to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the brioche to fully absorb the custard for a richer texture. You can make this dish up to 24 hours in advance, and any leftovers can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize this recipe by substituting brioche with French bread or croissants. For a tangy twist, add cubes of cream cheese throughout the layers. For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this casserole warm, finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Provide maple syrup and a bowl of fresh sliced strawberries on the side so guests can garnish their own portions as desired.

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This strawberry French toast casserole is a crowd-pleasing favorite that brings a touch of decadence to any brunch table. It is easy to prepare yet feels incredibly special for celebrating with friends.

Recipe Help Center

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the assembled casserole covered with foil for up to 24 hours before baking for improved texture and flavor.

→ What bread works best in this dish?

Brioche or challah cubes are ideal for their softness and richness, but French bread or croissants also work well for varied textures.

→ How can I make a dairy-free version?

Substitute whole milk, cream, and butter with plant-based alternatives to suit dairy-free preferences.

→ What is the purpose of the crumbly topping?

The topping adds a sweet, buttery crunch that contrasts the soft custard-soaked bread and fresh strawberries.

→ Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, sliced almonds can be mixed into the topping for extra texture and a nutty flavor.

→ How long should this dish bake?

Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden and set.