This Sweet Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start your day! With layers of fluffy bread, sweet cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, it’s like dessert for breakfast!
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just mix, pour, and bake—it practically does the work for you! Serve it warm, and trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Swirl Bread: This gives the casserole its sweet flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, plain brioche or challah is a fantastic substitute. They’ll add a nice richness to the dish!
Eggs: Essential for binding, I recommend using large eggs. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a vegan option.
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess, but you can substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to maintain the balance of flavors.
Cream Cheese: It adds richness and a wonderful texture. If you need a dairy-free alternative, consider using a vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Fruit Preserves: Strawberry or raspberry gives a nice fruity punch! If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, try using a fruit spread that’s unsweetened or even some fresh fruit slices.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Well Set?
Making sure your casserole cooks evenly is key for a perfect breakfast treat. Here are some tips:
- Mix the egg mixture thoroughly to avoid any straggler lumps. It helps with even flavor and texture!
- After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the liquid. This gives you that creamy texture.
- Check for doneness around the 45-minute mark. You want it to be golden and set in the middle. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up a bit more, making it easier to slice.
With these tips, your Sweet Breakfast Casserole will turn out delicious and satisfying! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Sweet Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups cubed cinnamon swirl bread (about 1 loaf)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (such as strawberry or raspberry)
- Fresh strawberries, halved (for topping)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, like mint or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs 45 to 55 minutes to bake. Overall, you should plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, plus a few minutes for cooling before serving. Perfect for a cozy breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a moment to grease a 9×9 inch baking dish (or a similar size casserole dish) to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your cinnamon swirl bread and cut it into small cubes, about 1-inch in size. Place the cubed bread evenly into the greased baking dish. It should fill the bottom of the dish nicely!
3. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Add in the milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything until it’s well blended. This mixture will soak into the bread for a delightful flavor!
4. Combine Bread and Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use a fork or your hands to gently press down on the bread so that every piece gets soaked with the egg mixture. This ensures a deliciously custardy texture!
5. Add Cream Cheese and Preserves:
Now, drop small pieces of cream cheese and dollops of your favorite fruit preserves or jam over the top of the casserole. This will add creamy and fruity goodness!
6. Garnish:
If you’d like, you can place halved fresh strawberries on top and sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or mint for extra flavor and a pop of color.
7. Bake:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. You want it to be set in the middle and golden around the edges. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure it doesn’t overbrown!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to make slicing easier. Serve warm, and if you’d like, add extra fresh strawberries on top for a fresh touch or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy this sweet and comforting breakfast casserole with its lovely blend of creamy, fruity, and cinnamon flavors! It’s perfect for brunch or a family breakfast gathering! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While cinnamon swirl bread adds a lovely sweetness, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even regular white or whole wheat bread. Just adjust the sweetness of the dish slightly if your bread is less sweet.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
You can! Just assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This Sweet Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. Enjoy your brunch!
