Blackberry French Toast Casserole

About 15 years ago, I spent my first Christmas with the Webb family and I will never forget my Mother-in-law making the most delicious Christmas morning casserole. I had never had anything like it and it quickly became a favorite, one that we all looked forward to having any Christmas morning spent with the Webb’s.

Many years later, I have inherited this Christmas morning breakfast tradition and now I make this delicious Blackberry French Toast Casserole every year for my little family.

I love traditions that have been passed down and gathering together with family around a table and enjoying a home cooked meal is a tradition I will always carry forward. Maybe you will try this recipe and incorporate it into one of your upcoming gatherings or make it a Christmas morning tradition in your home too!

Blackberry French Toast Casserole

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/4 or 1/12 cups of blackberry jam *I personally use 1 1/2 cups as I like a little more jam in my casserole
  • 1 12 ounce loaf of fresh french bread *ask your bakery to cube the break for you, preferably into 1-1/12 inch cubes
  • 1 8 ounce 1/3 less fat cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups of half and half
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
  • * toppings maple syrup or whipped cream

DIRECTIONS

Cook the blackberry jam over medium heat until smooth, stirring frequently.

Layer a lightly greased 13×9 dish with half of the bread cubes, top with cream cheese cubes, then drizzle with blackberry jam. Top with remaining bread cubes

Whisk together eggs, half and half, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Pour over bread mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, preheat your oven to 325. Bake covered for 20 minutes, remove foil, and back for 10-15 additional minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream and ENJOY!

Can’t wait to hear what you think of this delicious casserole! As always, thanks so much for stopping by…see you back here real soon.