Baked Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Recipe posted in: Breakfasts, Flex Meals & Snacks, Main CoursesSimplify your French toast by turning it into a casserole! You can enjoy the classic flavors of everyone’s favorite brunch with less steps, less calories and less clean-up with this Banana Blueberry French Toast Casserole recipe.
Soft cubes of whole wheat bread are coated in cinnamon, vanilla and mashed bananas, then baked to perfection with fresh blueberries. Whip up this easy French toast breakfast casserole for a sweet start to a summer day!
A Sweet and Simple Brunch Favorite
If you’re craving something cozy, comforting and a little indulgent for your next morning meal, this baked berry French toast casserole is about to become your new favorite. With its warm flavors, minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it brings all the deliciousness of traditional French toast—without all the flipping and fuss.
This French toast casserole recipe is loaded with feel-good ingredients like mashed banana, cinnamon and vanilla, and is sweetened naturally with fruit—no added sugar required.
Fresh berries are gently folded in before baking, creating a light, fruity flavor and a moist, tender texture. You can prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven the next morning, making it a fantastic option for brunch, holidays or just a laid-back weekend breakfast.
This baked French toast is so delicious, you won’t believe that one serving clocks in under 200 calories (170 to be exact!). You can count this as one and half SmartCarbs and half of a PowerFuel if you’re following a Nutrisystem meal plan.
How to Make This French Toast Casserole Recipe
Making this baked French toast casserole couldn’t be easier. Here’s a quick step-by-step breakdown:
- Start by cutting six slices of whole wheat bread into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes in a baking dish that’s been coated with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, mash two ripe bananas and whisk them together with eggs, unsweetened almond milk, cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, making sure everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even soaking.
- Gently fold in fresh berries right before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and set.
The result? A soft, moist berry French toast casserole with the subtle sweetness of banana and a hint of spice from cinnamon. It’s everything you love about French toast, but baked in one easy dish.
How to Serve and Customize Your Baked French Toast Casserole
One of the best things about this French toast casserole recipe—besides how easy it is to make—is how incredibly versatile it can be. Whether you’re serving it as part of a weekend brunch spread, prepping breakfast for the week ahead, or hosting a holiday get-together, this dish can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion.
From tasty topping ideas and smart pairings to flavorful twists and creative customizations, here’s how to make your baked berry French toast casserole even better.
Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions
While this French toast breakfast casserole can easily stand on its own, pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Scrambled eggs or egg whites for a hearty dose of protein
- Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage patties to add savory balance
- Low-fat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for extra creaminess and protein
- Fresh fruit salad or sliced seasonal fruit to keep things light and colorful
- Hot tea or coffee to round out your breakfast or brunch spread
This dish is great for meal prep too—just bake, cool, slice and store in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick, satisfying morning meal.
Customization Ideas
This baked French toast casserole is endlessly adaptable, which means you can enjoy it again and again with fun new twists. Whether you’re using up extra fruit, leaning into seasonal flavors or just catering to your cravings, here are some ways to make it your own:
Try a Different Berry
Swap out or mix in your favorite berries for a new spin:
- Strawberry French toast casserole: Juicy strawberries add summery sweetness.
- Raspberry French toast casserole: A tart and vibrant variation.
- Blackberry French toast casserole: Bold flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
Add Creaminess or Tang
Take things up a notch with rich or zesty elements:
- Blueberry cream cheese French toast casserole: Swirl in dollops of light cream cheese before baking for a cheesecake-like texture.
- Lemon blueberry French toast casserole: Brighten up the dish with fresh lemon zest or juice.
Explore Other Fruits
This recipe isn’t limited to berries! Try:
- Chopped apples with cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Sliced bananas or pears for added sweetness and softness.
- Mango, pineapple and coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Sliced peaches and swirls of light cream cheese for a classic peaches and cream pairing.
Boost Flavor and Nutrition
Layer in a touch of indulgence with these toppings and add-ins:
- Stir in a spoonful of nut butter before baking.
- Top with crunchy nuts or seeds.
- Sprinkle in flaxseed or chia for added fiber.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a touch of decadence.
- Drizzle sugar-free maple syrup or chocolate syrup.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or sugar-free jam.
Pro tip: Set up a DIY toppings bar with some of these options for a fun and interactive brunch experience!
No matter how you choose to personalize your berry French toast casserole, you’ll still be creating a wholesome, balanced dish that fits seamlessly into your Nutrisystem plan. One cup of fruit counts as a SmartCarb, and these simple adjustments make it easy to enjoy a delicious breakfast that aligns with your goals.
Try it Today!
There’s a lot to love about this baked French toast casserole—it’s fast, flexible and family-friendly. Whether you’re making a weekday meal for your family or a beautiful brunch centerpiece, this blueberry French toast casserole (or any of its delicious variations!) delivers big flavor with better-for-you ingredients.
Ready to try the best French toast casserole? Scroll down for the full recipe and get baking!
Looking for more sweet and simple breakfast ideas? Try our other French toast favorites like Churro French Toast Rollups, French Toast Cups and Chocolate Peanut Butter French Toast!
Need help staying on track with your health goals? Nutrisystem makes it easy with balanced meals delivered right to your door. Start your day with something delicious and nutritious—with less stress and more flavor.
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 170
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 ½ SmartCarbs and ½ PowerFuel
Ingredients:
- 6 slices whole wheat bread, cut into cubes
- 3 eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup berries
Directions:
- Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Add bread cubes to the pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring mixture at the 15-minute mark.
- Gently stir in the berries.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. When preheated, bake the French toast casserole for 40 minutes.