Decadent Mixed Berry Baked French Toast
Indulge in a deliciously reimagined breakfast classic with this Decadent Mixed Berry Baked French Toast. Drawing from my favorite vegetarian cookbook, this dish features a delightful blend of creamy cheeses, fresh berries, and wholesome whole grain bread. The use of low to non-fat dairy options allows for a guilt-free treat, and doubling the berries enhances the flavor and nutrition. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend brunch, this dish has garnered rave reviews and recipe requests from everyone who tries it. A drizzle of fresh maple syrup elevates this dish to new heights of yumminess, making it a beloved staple in my kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crusty French bread
1 loaf (Cut into 1/2-inch squares)
Neufchatel cheese or cream cheese
12 ounces (Softened)
Large eggs
8 (Beaten)
Maple syrup
1/3 cup (Plus extra for serving)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (Plus extra for garnish)
Plain yogurt
1/2 cup
Milk
1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Blueberries
1 1/2 cups (Plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 3- to 4-quart casserole dish.
2
Cut the crusty French bread into 1/2-inch squares and set aside.
3
In a food processor, combine the softened Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese), eggs, and 1/3 cup of maple syrup. Process until smooth.
4
Add the sour cream, plain yogurt, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the mixture and process again until fully combined and smooth.
5
Layer half of the bread squares evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Scatter 1 1/2 cups of blueberries evenly over the bread layer.
6
Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the bread and blueberries, spreading it evenly.
7
Repeat the layers with the remaining bread squares, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture, ensuring even coverage.
8
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. You can let it sit overnight for added flavor before baking.
9
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the French toast is puffy, set, and lightly browned.
10
Once baked, garnish with extra sour cream and fresh blueberries, and serve with maple syrup on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Mixed Berry Baked French Toast?
It is a reimagined breakfast classic featuring a blend of creamy cheeses, fresh berries, and wholesome bread baked into a delicious casserole.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Crusty French bread is recommended, ideally cut into 1/2-inch squares.
Can I use whole grain bread for this French toast?
Yes, using wholesome whole grain bread is an excellent option mentioned in the description.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
You will need 8 large eggs, beaten.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of Neufchatel cheese or cream cheese, softened.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish drawn from a vegetarian cookbook.
How much maple syrup goes into the batter?
1/3 cup of maple syrup is processed into the cheese and egg mixture.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to combine the cheese, eggs, syrup, and dairy into a smooth mixture.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 3- to 4-quart casserole dish is required.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the French bread?
Cut the loaf into 1/2-inch squares before layering them in the dish.
Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes, you can let the assembled dish sit overnight for added flavor before baking.
How long does the French toast bake while covered?
It should be baked tightly covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes.
How long does it bake after removing the foil?
Bake it for an additional 30 minutes uncovered, or until it is puffy and set.
What type of berries are specified in the ingredients?
The ingredient list specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of blueberries.
Can I use low-fat dairy products?
Yes, using low to non-fat dairy options allows for a guilt-free treat.
What garnishes are suggested for serving?
Garnish with extra sour cream and fresh blueberries before serving.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the mixture.
Does the recipe include cinnamon?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included for flavor.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Layer half the bread and blueberries, pour half the cream mixture, then repeat the layers.
What dairy liquids are included in the mixture?
The mixture includes 1/2 cup each of sour cream, plain yogurt, and milk.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, ensure you grease the 3- to 4-quart casserole dish before adding ingredients.
Can I add more berries than the recipe specifies?
Yes, the description suggests that doubling the berries enhances both flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when the French toast is done?
It is ready when it is puffy, set, and lightly browned on top.
Should I serve this with anything on the side?
It is best served with a drizzle of fresh maple syrup on the side.
What is the benefit of using Neufchatel cheese?
Neufchatel is a lower-fat alternative to traditional cream cheese that still provides a creamy texture.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a comfort food staple.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 60 minutes.
Is the bread crust removed for this recipe?
No, the instructions indicate cutting the crusty bread into squares without mentioning crust removal.
What makes this French toast decadent?
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and maple syrup creates a rich and indulgent texture.