Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

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Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the warm flavors of traditional French toast with the sweetness of juicy blackberries. This casserole is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert. With its rich and creamy texture, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart, making it a favorite among friends and family.

The combination of creamy custard soaked brioche, sprinkled with fresh blackberries, creates a delightful harmony of flavors. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it a convenient option for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering, or a relaxed weekend brunch, this brioche casserole is sure to impress.

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Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. Instead of standing at the stove flipping individual slices of French toast, this casserole allows you to layer and bake, saving you time and energy.

Moreover, the ingredients are simple and can easily be found in your local grocery store. The star of the dish, brioche or challah bread, gives it that soft and fluffy texture you crave. When combined with the amaretto or almond extract, it creates a beautifully aromatic custard that coats the bread perfectly.

Blackberries add a burst of tartness to the rich custard, balancing out the sweetness and making every bite exciting. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they also add a lovely pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

This recipe is also flexible. You can easily adjust the flavors or add other fruits if blackberries are not your favorite. The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, taking the chaos out of breakfast or brunch hosting. With its flavor and convenience, this dish is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or lazy Sundays.

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How to Make Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

Making this Brioche French Toast Casserole is a straightforward process, and the result is absolutely delicious. Follow these simple steps to create your own dish that everyone will rave about!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup amaretto liquor or almond extract
• 1/4 cup light-color corn syrup
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk or dairy-free substitute
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 loaf brioche or challah
• 2 cups blackberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Bread: Take your loaf of brioche or challah and cut it into 1-inch cubes. This size will help the bread absorb the custard mixture while still holding its shape.

3. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, unsalted butter, amaretto (or almond extract), corn syrup, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until everything is well combined. This custard mixture will soak the bread and give it that rich French toast flavor.

4. Layer the Casserole: Start layering the casserole by placing half of the bread cubes in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are nicely coated. Then, add half of the blackberries, distributing them evenly. Repeat the process with the remaining bread, custard mixture, and blackberries.

5. Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. It’s best to let it chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard, making it extra moist and flavorful.

6. Bake: When you’re ready, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.

7. Add the Finishing Touch: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top. This will create a delightful sugary crust that adds texture to the dish.

8. Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes. You can slice it and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream.

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How to Serve Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility in serving. You can present it in a family-style setting, placing the whole dish on the table for everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, slice it into squares and serve individual portions on plates.

This dish goes well with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation. You can also add a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Fresh mint leaves can serve as a nice garnish for added color and freshness.

Pair your serving with coffee, tea, or even a glass of fresh orange juice to create a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. For special occasions, consider pairing the casserole with sparkling wine or mimosas for a lovely brunch celebration.

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How to Store Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

Storing leftovers is easy with this casserole. If you have any remaining portions, allow them to cool completely before storing. You can cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer the slices to an airtight container.

The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

If you want to make it ahead of time, consider assembling the casserole without baking it, covering it well, and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This way, you can simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

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Tips to Make Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

1. Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, consider using day-old brioche or challah. It will hold up better in the custard and create a sturdier casserole.

2. Make-Ahead Option: As mentioned, preparing the casserole ahead of time is a smart way to manage your time when hosting. Just make sure to give it a good amount of time to soak in the refrigerator.

3. Experiment with Fruits: While blackberries are a delicious option, don’t hesitate to try other fruits! Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas can be great alternatives. You could even mix different berries for more flavor.

4. Add Spices: To customize the taste, feel free to add more spices like cinnamon or vanilla bean for an extra flavor kick.

5. Serve with Toppings: Enhance the dish with toppings like chopped nuts for added crunch, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a richer flavor experience.

6. Cut Portions Cold: When cutting the casserole after it cools a bit, make sure to use a sharp knife to get neat portions. If it’s too warm, it might crumble.

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Variation

If you want to switch things up, consider making a savory version by replacing the blackberries with cooked sausage or ham and adding cheese. For an even more decadent treat, you can add layers of cream cheese to your brioche casserole for extra richness.

You may also try experimenting with different flavored extracts instead of amaretto or almond, such as coconut or hazelnut. Each variation can lead to a new and exciting twist on this classic dish.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free bread of your choice instead of brioche or challah. Ensure other ingredients, especially the corn syrup and any flavorings, are also gluten-free.

Can I make this without dairy?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. You might also wish to use dairy-free butter.

How long does it take to soak?

To allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard, aim for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. However, overnight soaking yields the best results.

Can I freeze the Brioche French Toast Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Is it okay to leave it out overnight?

It’s advisable not to leave the casserole out overnight. Like any egg and milk-based dish, it should be refrigerated to keep it safe to eat.

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