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Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

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Find it online: https://simplysavorykitchen.com/cream-cheese-french-toast-casserole-recipe/