If you are looking for the ultimate breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of soft, custardy French bread, pockets of creamy, tangy cream cheese melting in every bite, all bathed in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard. This delightful casserole transforms a classic French toast into a show-stopping dish perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches with loved ones. Every forkful brings comfort, richness, and a touch of sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a vital role, from the custardy eggs and cream to the tender cubed bread and luscious cream cheese pockets.
- 8 eggs: The binding and base of the custard that makes the bread irresistibly soft and rich.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 & 1/2 cups whole milk: Helps create a creamy custard base with a smooth texture.
- 2/3 cup cream: Boosts richness and makes the casserole decadently moist.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: Infuses subtle natural sweetness and a hint of depth to the custard.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Brings warmth and aromatic sweetness, uplifting every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted): Adds richness and ensures the casserole bakes up golden and tender.
- 12 ounces French bread (cubed into bite-size pieces): The sturdy bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, creating a perfect texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed into 1/2 inch pieces): Melts into gooey pockets of tangy creaminess nestled inside the casserole.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Sprinkled on top to add a warm, spicy aroma and a touch of color.
How to Make Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready when your casserole goes in, so the bread cooks evenly and custard sets beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Base
In a large bowl or a stand mixer, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Whisking for about a minute or two helps everything blend into a smooth, sweet, and aromatic custard that’s the heart of this dish.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
In a separate bowl, melt the salted butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds until liquid. Add this melted butter to your custard mixture and whisk again for another minute or two; the butter adds richness and helps with that golden crust.
Step 4: Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese
Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly over the bottom of the dish, then scatter half of the cream cheese cubes on top. Repeat with the remaining bread and cream cheese for perfect layers of tender bread and creamy pockets.
Step 5: Pour the Custard and Add Cinnamon
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and cream cheese, making sure all the bread is thoroughly soaked. Then, using a mesh strainer or your hand, sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the top to add that signature warm spice.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in as it bakes. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the custard to set and the bread to soak up all those fantastic flavors.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to let the top become gorgeously golden and slightly crisped, adding a lovely texture contrast to the creamy interior.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to settle. This step helps it firm up just enough to serve warm without being too runny. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit for an irresistible breakfast feast!
How to Serve Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup all make gorgeous garnishes for this casserole. They add brightness, a pop of color, and an extra layer of flavor that customers and family members will love.
Side Dishes
This baked dream pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to add savory contrast. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh green salad or yogurt topped with granola to balance the dish’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this casserole into a delightful brunch centerpiece by serving it in elegant individual ramekins before baking or as a large casserole dish for sharing. You can also top it with toasted nuts or a fruit compote for a gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining most of their creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Frozen casseroles can last up to one month—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on top. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the casserole’s lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than French bread?
Absolutely! While French bread offers the perfect texture and crust, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even a hearty Italian bread. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold the custard without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh in the morning following the instructions. This makes for a stress-free and impressive breakfast.
What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Go for full-fat cream cheese cubed into small pieces. It melts beautifully and offers the lovely tang and creaminess that make this casserole stand out.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely. This recipe yields 12 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings, brunch parties, or holiday mornings where you want to feed everyone with ease.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
You can try substituting with plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and egg replacers, but the classic richness and texture might change. For the best experience, sticking with the original ingredients is recommended.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen hero. It’s simple but stunning, comforting yet elegant, and sure to become a beloved favorite for any occasion. Trust me—once you make this, it will be the dish everyone looks forward to at your table. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the happiest mornings with every bite!
Print
Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish featuring layers of cubed French bread and cream cheese soaked in a rich, custardy mixture of eggs, milk, cream, and maple syrup. Baked until golden and topped with cinnamon, it’s perfect for brunch gatherings or special mornings, delivering creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup cream
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (1 stick)
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces French bread (about 10 cups), cubed into bite-size pieces
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
Topping
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt for about 1 to 2 minutes until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Add Melted Butter: Melt the salted butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then slowly add it to the egg mixture. Whisk thoroughly for another 1 to 2 minutes to incorporate the butter well into the custard base.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly across the bottom of the dish, then evenly sprinkle half of the cream cheese cubes on top. Layer the remaining bread over the cream cheese and top with the rest of the cream cheese cubes.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Carefully pour the prepared egg and milk custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese, ensuring every piece is soaked thoroughly.
- Add Cinnamon Topping: Using a mesh strainer or your hand, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cinnamon evenly over the top of the casserole to add warm spice flavor throughout.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top and give it a lightly crisp finish.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to set properly. Serve warm with extra maple syrup and fresh fruit for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Using day-old French bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before by assembling it and refrigerating overnight before baking in the morning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk and cream.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave for a different sweetness profile.
- Adding fresh berries or sliced bananas as a topping adds a fruity freshness to the dish.
