Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream cheese with the comforting flavors of French toast. Perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts, this casserole can be prepared the night before, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. The sweet cream cheese filling and the crunchy brown sugar crumble topping make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance, making breakfast stress-free.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, vanilla, and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties.
• Customizable Toppings: Drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar for added sweetness.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for cooks of all levels.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully make this baked cream cheese French toast casserole, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before starting your cooking adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick spray
• 9×13-inch baking pan or 3-4 quart oven-safe dish
• Hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick Spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal from the pan.
• Baking Pan: A spacious pan allows even cooking and provides enough room for all ingredients.
• Mixer: Makes blending the cream cheese smooth and easy, saving time and effort.

Ingredients

This baked cream cheese french toast casserole is stuffed with sweet cream cheese and topped with a brown sugar crumble topping. It’s a wonderful recipe for a brunch or breakfast gathering because you can prep the casserole the night before.

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 (12-14 ounce) loaf french bread, sourdough bread, or challah
• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar (do not leave out)
• 3 teaspoons (15ml) pure vanilla extract, divided
• 8 large eggs
• 2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 2/3 cup (133g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• optional: maple syrup and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or any 3-4 quart oven-safe dish with nonstick spray. Slice then cut the bread into cubes, about 1 inch in size. Spread half of the cubes into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese Filling

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment:
1. Beat the room temperature cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth.
2. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
3. Drop random spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top of the bread.
4. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of cream cheese. Ensure some cream cheese remains exposed on top just for looks.

Step 3: Whisk Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla until no lumps remain.
2. Pour evenly over the bread mixture in the pan.
3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the pan from the refrigerator.

Step 5: Make Crumble Topping

In another medium bowl:
1. Whisk together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the soaked bread.

Step 6: Bake Casserole

Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown on top. If you prefer it softer, aim for around 45 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Drizzle with optional maple syrup or dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.

Storage Instructions

Cover leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Serving this delicious baked cream cheese french toast casserole is as enjoyable as making it. This dish is perfect for gatherings, and there are many ways to elevate the experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make it even more delightful.

With Maple Syrup

• Drizzle warm maple syrup over each serving for a classic touch of sweetness.

Fresh Berries

• Top with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.

Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy texture that complements the casserole.

Nuts and Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and richness.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a charming presentation and a hint of sweetness.

Yogurt Parfait Style

• Serve individual portions in bowls with layers of yogurt and fruit, creating a parfait appearance.

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How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

To create the perfect baked cream cheese french toast casserole, follow these handy tips. They will ensure that your dish comes out delicious every time.

• Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, leading to a fluffier texture.
• Let it soak overnight: Allowing the casserole to sit overnight ensures all flavors meld beautifully.
• Adjust sweetness: Customize the level of sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your taste.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth in flavor.
• Serve warm: For the best experience, serve immediately after baking while it’s still warm and fluffy.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your baked cream cheese french toast casserole can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this sweet dish perfectly.

1. Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch balances the sweetness of the casserole beautifully.
2. Sausage Links: Savory sausage links provide a hearty addition that pairs well with sweet flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your brunch table.
4. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and round out your breakfast nicely.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy potatoes offer a satisfying contrast in texture and heartiness.
6. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on whole-grain bread introduces healthy fats for balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can be easy, but many home cooks make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using stale bread – Fresh bread is essential for the best texture. If your bread is too stale, it won’t soak up the egg mixture well. Use day-old bread for optimal results.
• Not softening cream cheese – Cold cream cheese is hard to mix and may create lumps in your casserole. Always soften it at room temperature before mixing.
• Skipping overnight refrigeration – Letting the casserole sit overnight allows flavors to meld and ensures a creamy texture. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait!
• Overbaking the casserole – Baking too long can dry out your dish. Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking time for a perfectly golden top.
• Ignoring toppings – The brown sugar crumble topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; it elevates the overall dish significantly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Warm individual servings on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Heat slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! You can substitute sourdough or challah with any bread you prefer, but softer breads work best for soaking up the egg mixture.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, simply use gluten-free bread. Everything else remains the same!

Can I prepare it without overnight soaking?

While it’s possible, soaking it overnight enhances flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 3-4 hours.

What toppings pair well with Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?

Maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar make excellent toppings that add sweetness and freshness to each serving.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that combines creamy filling with a sweet crumble topping. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. Feel free to customize it by adding fruits or nuts into the layers for extra flavor!