Description
This Berry French Toast Bake is a wholesome, comforting breakfast casserole perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings. Combining wholemeal bread, mixed berries, and creamy blended cottage cheese, it offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this bake is easy to prepare and can be made ahead by soaking overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 pound cubed wholemeal bread (preferably day old, homemade spelt sourdough recommended)
Milk Mixture
- 3 large eggs (or 4 large egg whites)
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (can substitute sugar-free sweetener)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Filling and Topping
- 2 cups mixed berries (frozen or fresh)
- 8 ounces low fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 1 small handful rolled oats (optional, for topping)
- Fresh berries (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the milk mix: In a large measuring jug, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a 7×11 inch baking dish (9×13 inch also works but yields a slightly flatter bake). Add half of the cubed bread to the dish. Pour one third of the milk mixture over the bread evenly. Spread the mixed berries over the soaked bread, then dot with the blended cottage cheese. Add the remaining bread cubes on top and pour over the remaining milk mixture, ensuring all bread pieces are thoroughly soaked.
- Chill the casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it chill overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully and flavors to meld.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover. If desired, sprinkle rolled oats over the top for a crunchy finish. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly).
- Serve: Let the French toast bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Portion out and serve warm topped with fresh berries for a delicious, nutrient-packed start to your day.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is essential for soaking but avoid stale or moldy bread.
- Substitute low fat or full fat cottage cheese depending on preference and availability.
- Frozen berries work well and can be used straight from the freezer; just adjust soaking times if preferred.
- Sweetener choice can be adjusted to keep it sugar-free or for different flavor profiles.
- Overnight soaking enhances flavor absorption and texture but at least 30 minutes chilling is required.
- Rolled oats on top add texture but can be omitted for gluten-free or oat-free diets.
