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- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed - 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup maple syrup - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Butter for greasing - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) To make this Berry Lemon French Toast Casserole, you need a few key ingredients. The star of the dish is brioche bread. This bread is soft and sweet, perfect for soaking up the egg mixture. You can also use challah if you like a different texture. Next, you will need mixed berries. I love using strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They add a burst of flavor and color to the dish. You can use fresh or frozen berries, but fresh gives the best taste. Eggs and dairy are essential for the custard base. You will need four large eggs, two cups of milk, and half a cup of Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds creaminess and a hint of tang. For sweeteners and flavorings, grab a quarter cup of maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients give the casserole a bright and fresh taste. Lastly, don’t forget the spices! You will need a teaspoon of cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the dish. If you want to add a special touch, consider optional garnishes like powdered sugar or more fresh berries on top. These little extras make your casserole look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. - Mixing the Egg Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, and 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. Add 1/4 cup of maple syrup for sweetness. Then mix in the zest of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and well blended. - Layering Ingredients Layer half of the cubed brioche bread in the bottom of your baking dish. Spread half of the mixed berries over the bread. You can use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread and berries to coat them evenly. - Baking the Casserole Repeat the layers with the remaining brioche, the rest of the mixed berries, and the rest of the egg mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel set. - Serving Instructions Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Slice it into pieces and serve warm. For a special touch, dust with powdered sugar and serve with extra fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup on the side. This makes every bite extra tasty! Tips for Overnight Preparation You can prepare this casserole the night before. Start by mixing your egg mixture and layering the bread and berries in the dish. Cover it with foil and place it in the fridge. This lets the bread soak up the flavors overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven. Portion Control Tips When you serve the casserole, cut it into small squares. This way, everyone gets a taste without overdoing it. You can also save leftovers for later. Just store them in the fridge and enjoy them for breakfast or dessert. Ensuring a Golden Brown Top To get that perfect golden top, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. You want it to be golden but not burnt. The top should look inviting and crispy. Checking for Doneness To check if it’s done, insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes. It should be set in the middle and not too wobbly. This ensures every bite is delicious. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Stale brioche absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a creamier texture. Add More Flavor: Consider infusing the milk with a bit of lemon extract for an extra citrusy kick. Berry Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries for a unique twist. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh in the morning for easy serving. {{image_2}} You can swap the bread type for this casserole. - Different Types of Bread: Brioche is soft and tasty, but try challah or sourdough. Each bread gives a unique flavor. You can even use whole wheat for more fiber. - Alternative Berries: Mixed berries are great, but feel free to change them. Use blackberries, peaches, or even bananas. Each fruit brings a new twist to your dish. Adding flavors can make your casserole even better. - Citrus Variations: Besides lemon, try orange or lime zest. These will brighten the dish and add freshness. Just remember to adjust the juice amounts. - Adding Nuts or Chocolate: For a crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. If you love chocolate, sprinkle in some chocolate chips. Both options make the casserole richer and more fun. To keep your Berry Lemon French Toast Casserole fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the casserole in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it lasts for about two months. Just remember to label the container with the date. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm throughout. If you choose the microwave, cut a slice and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking it often. After reheating, serve the casserole warm. You can add a drizzle of maple syrup or more fresh berries on top. This makes each bite even better! Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just add them straight to the dish. They may release more juice, which makes it a bit saucy. This will still taste great! To make this dish gluten-free, switch brioche bread for gluten-free bread. Check the label to ensure it is certified gluten-free. This change keeps the flavors without gluten. Yes, you can. Use a mix of ground flaxseed and water as an egg replacer. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. This will help bind the casserole. Some great toppings include fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Nuts add a nice crunch too! Absolutely! Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. This blog post explored how to make a tasty berry lemon French toast casserole. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and valuable tips for success. You learned about variations to suit your taste, how to store leftovers, and how to reheat them perfectly. This dish is versatile and easy to tweak for any preference. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Whether for breakfast or brunch, this casserole is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Berry Lemon French Toast Casserole

Indulge in a delightful Berry Lemon French Toast that brings together mixed berries and zesty flavors in this Easy Breakfast Casserole. Our French Toast Casserole Recipe features soft brioche bread baked to perfection, making it a perfect brunch option. Try this Mixed Berry Casserole for your next gathering and impress everyone! Click to discover the full recipe! #FrenchToastCasserole #EasyBreakfast #BerryRecipes #BriocheBake

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed

2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/4 cup maple syrup

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Butter for greasing

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

      Layer half of the cubed brioche bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Distribute half of the mixed berries evenly over the bread.

        Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread and berries, ensuring that all the pieces are coated.

          Repeat the layers with the remaining brioche, mixed berries, and egg mixture. Cover with aluminum foil.

            Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

              Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with additional fresh berries on top and a drizzle of maple syrup on the side for extra sweetness.