Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 10 cups, cubed)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
1: Prepare the Brioche Bread
- Slice your brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to dry them out. This step helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the cubed brioche evenly across the dish.
2: Make the Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, and ½ cup heavy cream.
- Add the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- For a lump-free custard, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
3: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed brioche, making sure every piece is coated.
- Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard, ensuring it absorbs the liquid.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For best results, refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
4: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge (if refrigerated) and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Bake the casserole covered with foil for 25–30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
5: Add Toppings and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and a dollop of whipped cream. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and drizzle with warm maple syrup for the finishing touch.
Notes
- To create a caramelized topping, sprinkle a little extra sugar over the casserole before baking it uncovered.
- Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or diced apples for a personalized twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the casserole)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 135mg