Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish for any gathering, from brunches to family breakfasts. With its creamy filling and delectable crumble topping, this casserole stands out with its ease of preparation. You can prepare it ahead of time, making busy mornings a breeze. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for that extra touch, and watch it disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the night before to save time in the morning.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and cinnamon creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for brunch, breakfast gatherings, or even dessert.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish.
• Easy Cleanup: Bake in one pan for simple serving and minimal cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick spray
• 9×13-inch baking pan or 3-4 quart oven-safe dish
• Handheld or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and proper portioning for servings.
• Mixer: Saves time and effort when beating the cream cheese to a smooth consistency.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 the bread into cubes about 1 inch in size. Spread half of these cubes into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined. Drop random spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture on top of the bread. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla in a bowl until no lumps remain in the brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread layers. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or up to 24 hours; overnight is best.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

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

Step 5: Prepare Crumble Topping

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

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes or until golden brown on top. If you prefer it softer, aim for about 45 minutes. Drizzle with optional maple syrup or dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.

Step 7: Store Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly and store them in your refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Serving your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful experience. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of freshness.
• Banana Slices: Add ripe banana slices for extra sweetness and creaminess.

Drizzled with Syrup

• Maple Syrup: A classic choice that adds rich flavor and sweetness.
• Honey: For a lighter touch, drizzle honey over each serving.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream and sugar for a fluffy topping that complements the casserole’s richness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Add vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for an extra kick.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts provide a robust flavor that pairs well with the casserole.

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How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

To ensure your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer texture.
• Let It Sit Overnight: For the best flavor and consistency, refrigerate the casserole overnight before baking.
• Don’t Skip the Topping: The brown sugar crumble adds essential texture and sweetness; it makes all the difference!
• Check for Doneness: Bake until golden brown on top; a slightly soft center is perfectly fine.
• Customize Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or orange zest to enhance the taste profile.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweet casserole beautifully.
2. Sausage Links: Savory sausage provides a hearty balance to the sweetness of the dish.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers bright flavors that enhance your brunch spread.
4. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy side option.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your breakfast table.
6. Smoothies: A light smoothie can cleanse the palate between bites of the rich casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the bread type: Using stale or dry bread can lead to a disappointing texture. Opt for fresh French bread, sourdough, or challah that absorbs the custard well.

• Overmixing the cream cheese: If you beat the cream cheese too much, it may become too airy and lose its rich texture. Mix just until smooth to maintain a creamy filling.

• Skipping the refrigeration step: Not allowing the casserole to soak overnight means missing out on flavors. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is best for optimal results.

• Under or overbaking: Baking too short leads to soggy bread while baking too long makes it dry. Keep an eye on it and aim for golden brown on top after 45-55 minutes.

• Neglecting toppings: Skipping the brown sugar crumble topping can lead to a less exciting dish. A sprinkle of this topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with a date for easy tracking.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole:

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Assemble it the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What type of bread works best?

Using French bread, sourdough, or challah will yield the best results due to their texture. Avoid regular sandwich bread as it can become mushy.

How do I store leftovers of Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Can I add fruit to my casserole?

Absolutely! Adding fruits like berries or bananas can enhance flavor and nutrition. Just layer them between the bread cubes before pouring the egg mixture.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Yes! This casserole serves up to 12 people, making it an ideal dish for brunches or family gatherings where you want something delicious and filling.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding fruits, nuts, or even different spices. Whether you’re hosting brunch or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe is sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Give it a try!