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Strawberry Brunch Casserole

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PREP TIME
30 min
COOKING TIME
75 min
TOTAL TIME
585 min
SERVINGS
12 servings
Breakfast
Strawberry Brunch Casserole
Ingredients
  • 12 slices home-style white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, divided
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cold cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
1
Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish generously by applying an adequate amount of cooking oil or non-stick spray to the surface.
2
Place half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly to cover the surface.
3
Next, distribute the cream cheese cubes over the bread cube layer in a uniform manner.
4
Following that, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer to add natural sweetness and flavor.
5
Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the strawberry layer, creating a uniform and visually appealing presentation.
6
In a separate container, combine half-and-half and blend it in a blender for a few seconds to break down any lumps.
7
Add eggs to the blended half-and-half mixture and continue blending until they are fully incorporated and smooth.
8
Add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the mixture and blend until well combined.
9
Pour the egg-based half-and-half mixture evenly over the bread mixture, making sure to cover every surface.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
11
Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator 45 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
12
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place the baking dish inside.
13
Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil and continue baking until the French toast is puffed and golden brown, approximately 30 more minutes.
14
To prepare a sweet sauce to serve alongside the French toast, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
15
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and reached your desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
16
Add 1 cup of sliced strawberries to the saucepan and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring constantly until they have softened.
17
Add butter to the saucepan and stir until it has melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
18
Serve the sweet sauce hot over the French toast, allowing each person to help themselves and customize their serving as desired.