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Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 90 reviews

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and nutritious breakfast dish featuring tender bread cubes soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, cottage cheese, milk, and maple syrup, infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Fresh berries add a burst of flavor and color, while a smooth vanilla Greek yogurt frosting drizzle elevates this baked classic to a wholesome treat perfect for serving family or guests.

Ingredients

French Toast Casserole

  • 1 loaf bread (Artisano bakery bread)
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (4% small curd)
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup unflavored collagen (or other protein powder of choice)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cup fresh berries

Frosting

  • 150 grams Two Good vanilla Greek yogurt (1 single serve cup)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tsp milk (for smoothness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, as collagen tends to adhere to the pan during baking.
  2. Cube the bread: Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf of bread into 9 cubes per slice, arranging in 3 rows and 3 columns to create uniform pieces for even soaking and baking.
  3. Make custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, 2% milk, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, pure maple syrup, and unflavored collagen. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until the cottage cheese is smooth with no clumps remaining, ensuring a creamy custard base.
  4. Assemble casserole: Place the cubed bread evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the blended egg mixture over the bread, making sure cubes are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle fresh berries on top, then gently stir the entire mixture to distribute berries evenly and ensure bread is covered with custard.
  5. Bake: Bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes until the center has set, the fruit has wilted, and the bread is toasted. If the top of the bread starts to get too crispy or brown, cover the dish loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
  6. Prepare frosting: While the casserole bakes, combine the vanilla Greek yogurt and powdered sugar in a bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth. Add 2 to 4 teaspoons of milk gradually, stopping when the mixture reaches a drizzle-like consistency suitable for topping.
  7. Serve with drizzle: Remove the baked casserole from the oven and drizzle the frosting evenly over the top. Allow it to soak briefly into the warm bread. Optionally, top with additional fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup before serving for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use a serrated bread knife for clean cuts without squishing the bread.
  • Collagen powder helps boost protein but can stick to pans—generous greasing is key.
  • Immersion blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother custard texture.
  • Covering with foil near the end avoids over-browning of the casserole top.
  • Can substitute other protein powders if preferred.
  • Fresh or frozen berries can be used, but fresh is recommended for texture.
  • The yogurt frosting is optional but adds a creamy sweetness that complements the tart berries well.