What bread should I use for a Berry French Toast Casserole?

You’ll want a sturdy loaf—like brioche, challah, or French bread—so it holds the custard without turning mushy. Using a slightly stale or even lightly toasted loaf gives you better texture and helps the mixture absorb evenly.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?

Yes—you can absolutely use frozen berries. They’ll work just fine and often add extra juice and flavor as they thaw during baking. Just scatter them straight from the freezer and expect a slightly more syrupy bake.

How long can I prep the casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours—it helps the bread soak up the custard and makes morning baking easier. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for ~20 minutes before baking if it’s been chilled.

Why did my casserole turn out soggy in the middle?

If the center is too soft, it’s usually because the bread was too fresh (didn’t soak properly) or the bake time was too short. Use day-old bread so it absorbs better, and bake until the center is just set and the top is golden.

Berry French Toast Casserole – 5 Reasons It’s a Cozy Breakfast Favorite

Description

A comforting make-ahead breakfast casserole made with buttery brioche, juicy mixed berries, and creamy vanilla custard, baked to golden perfection for a cozy morning treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (about 14 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
6 large eggs
1½ cups milk or half-and-half
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
Optional: 4 oz cream cheese (cubed), ¼ cup chopped nuts, or a simple streusel topping

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Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the bread cubes and berries.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing down to help it absorb.
Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
Cool slightly before serving. Add maple syrup or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old or lightly toasted bread.

If using frozen berries, do not thaw before adding.

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg