Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Weekends in our house are synonymous with leisurely mornings and, most importantly, delicious food. While pancakes and waffles have their place, lately, we’ve been obsessed with a dish that takes brunch to a whole new level of indulgence and ease: Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. Let me tell you, this isn’t your average French toast. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of golden-brown, slightly crispy bread soaked in a rich, vanilla-infused custard, with pockets of creamy, tangy cream cheese melting into every bite. The first time I made this, the aroma alone had everyone scrambling to the kitchen. The verdict? Utter silence, followed by enthusiastic murmurs of “This is amazing!” and “Can we have this every weekend?”. It’s become a family favorite, perfect for lazy Sunday brunches, special occasions, or even a weeknight “breakfast for dinner” treat. This recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, effortlessly elegant yet surprisingly simple to prepare, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. Get ready to transform your brunch game forever!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Bread:
  • 1 loaf (1 pound) Brioche or Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. Brioche and Challah are ideal because their rich, buttery nature and slightly open crumb soak up the custard beautifully, resulting in a wonderfully tender casserole. You can also use French bread, but brioche or challah truly elevate the dish.
• Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Softened cream cheese is crucial for smooth blending and even distribution throughout the casserole. Cold cream cheese will be difficult to work with and may leave lumps.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Sugar adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese and complements the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• Custard:
  • 8 large eggs. Eggs are the foundation of the custard, providing richness, structure, and binding the casserole together.
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk. Whole milk contributes to a richer, creamier custard. You can use 2% milk if preferred, but whole milk will yield the best texture.
  • 1 cup heavy cream. Heavy cream is essential for creating a luxurious, decadent custard. It adds richness and prevents the casserole from becoming dry.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Sugar sweetens the custard and balances the savory notes of the bread and cream cheese.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed. Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor and depth to the custard, creating a more complex sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Vanilla extract infuses the custard with a warm, inviting aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cinnamon adds a classic French toast flavor and warm spice note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Nutmeg provides a subtle warmth and complexity that enhances the spice profile of the custard.
  • Pinch of salt. Salt enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors in the custard.
• Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended):
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. Melted butter adds richness and helps the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven.
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Brown sugar creates a delicious caramel-like topping when baked, adding sweetness and a delightful crunch.
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Flour helps to thicken the topping and create a crumbly texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cinnamon in the topping enhances the overall spice flavor and aroma.

Instructions

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is surprisingly easy to assemble, especially if you prepare it the night before. Here are the step-by-step instructions to guide you:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Cube the Bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. Uniformly sized cubes ensure even soaking of the custard and consistent baking.
2. Toast the Bread (Optional but Recommended): Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly dried and toasted. Toasting the bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming soggy and adds a subtle nutty flavor. This step is optional, but highly recommended for the best texture.
3. Let the Bread Cool: Allow the toasted bread cubes to cool completely before proceeding. Cooling the bread prevents the heat from prematurely cooking the eggs in the custard mixture.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until smooth, creamy, and well combined. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, even filling.
3. Set Aside: Keep the cream cheese filling aside while you prepare the custard.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

1. Whisk Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until lightly beaten. Whisking the eggs ensures they are evenly incorporated into the custard base.
2. Add Dairy and Sugars: Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Whisk Until Combined: Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a homogenous and flavorful custard.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Greasing prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish and ensures easy removal after baking.
2. Layer Bread Cubes: Arrange half of the toasted bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Dollop Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese filling evenly over the bread cubes. Distribute the cream cheese filling evenly to ensure every bite is infused with creamy goodness.
4. Top with Remaining Bread: Scatter the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese filling, creating an even layer.
5. Pour Custard Over Bread: Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Pouring slowly allows the custard to penetrate the bread cubes thoroughly.
6. Gently Press Down: Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula or your hands to ensure they are submerged in the custard. Submerging the bread cubes ensures even soaking and prevents dry spots in the baked casserole.
7. Cover and Refrigerate (Optional Overnight): Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. Refrigerating allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and tender casserole. Overnight refrigeration is highly recommended for optimal results and makes morning preparation a breeze.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping (Optional)

1. Combine Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Mix Until Crumbly: Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until they form a crumbly mixture. The topping should resemble coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake Uncovered (if not refrigerated overnight): If you did not refrigerate the casserole overnight, bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown, puffed, and the custard is set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. The casserole is done when it is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
3. Bake Covered then Uncovered (if refrigerated overnight): If you refrigerated the casserole overnight, bake covered with foil for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown, puffed, and the custard is set. Starting covered helps the casserole heat through evenly and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
4. Add Topping (if using) Halfway Through Baking: If using the topping, sprinkle it evenly over the casserole about halfway through the baking time (after about 25 minutes for un-refrigerated, or after removing foil for refrigerated). Adding the topping halfway through prevents it from burning and allows it to become golden brown and crispy.
5. Let Rest: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Resting allows the custard to set further and makes slicing easier.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-450 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)

Please note: These nutrition facts are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used, as well as serving sizes. For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the exact ingredients you used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30-40 minutes (including bread cubing, cream cheese filling, custard making, and assembly)
• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes (for un-refrigerated casserole) or 50-60 minutes (for overnight refrigerated casserole)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes (excluding overnight refrigeration time)

How to Serve

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brunch experience:

• Toppings:
  • Maple Syrup: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
  • Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry medley add freshness and a burst of color.
  • Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious and decadent touch.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Fruit Compote: Serve with a warm fruit compote, such as berry compote, apple compote, or peach compote.
• Sides:
  • Crispy Bacon or Sausage: Savory breakfast meats complement the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
  • Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the casserole.
  • Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit offer a lighter side option.
  • Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or omelets.
  • Orange Juice or Mimosas: Classic brunch beverages that pair well with French toast casserole.
  • Coffee or Tea: Essential brunch beverages to complete the meal.

Additional Tips for French Toast Casserole Perfection

Here are five helpful tips to ensure your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread is ideal for French toast casserole as it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by leaving it out uncovered overnight or toasting it lightly in the oven.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Ensure the bread cubes are arranged in a single layer or at most two layers in the baking dish. Overcrowding can prevent the custard from cooking evenly and result in a soggy casserole.
3. Soak the Bread Thoroughly: Make sure all the bread cubes are fully submerged in the custard mixture. This ensures even soaking and a uniformly tender casserole. Gently press down on the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard.
4. Refrigerate Overnight for Best Results: While you can bake the casserole immediately after assembly, refrigerating it overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and results in a much more flavorful and tender casserole. It also makes morning preparation much easier.
5. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: This recipe is moderately sweet. If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the custard and cream cheese filling. Conversely, if you like it sweeter, you can increase the sugar slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are five common questions people ask about making Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole:

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it in the morning. This is highly recommended for optimal flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: While brioche or challah are highly recommended for their rich flavor and texture, you can use other types of bread such as French bread, sourdough, or even cinnamon swirl bread. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may slightly vary depending on the bread you choose. Avoid using very dense or whole wheat breads as they may not soak up the custard as well.

Q3: Can I add fruit to the casserole?
A: Yes! You can definitely add fruit to this casserole. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries would be delicious mixed in with the bread cubes or layered between the bread and cream cheese filling. You can also add diced apples or peaches for a different flavor profile.

Q4: How do I store leftover French Toast Casserole?
A: Leftover Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Q5: Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions or freeze the whole casserole in a freezer-safe dish tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, or bake directly from frozen at a lower temperature (325°F/160°C) for a longer time, until heated through.

Enjoy making and sharing this decadent Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole – it’s sure to become a brunch staple in your home!

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