Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 16 oz, Italian bread ( cut into 1" cubes)
• 1 lb fresh strawberries (cut into small bite sized pieces)
• 10 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 12 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 lb fresh strawberries (cut up)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. 2

   Cut Italian bread into 1-inch cubes. Place half in the baking dish.

3. 3

   In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Spoon dollops (or spread) over the bread.

4. 4

   Sprinkle with chopped strawberries and top with the remaining bread cubes.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, 2 cups milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well blended. Pour evenly over the bread, covering as much as possible. Gently press bread into the mixture if needed.

6. 6

   Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 20–25 minutes, until the center is set and the casserole is heated through. Let stand a few minutes before serving.

7. 7

   While the casserole bakes, make the strawberry sauce. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium-high heat until boiling. Boil for 3–4 minutes.

8. 8

   Stir in chopped strawberries, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 10–12 minutes until thickened and bright red.

9. 9

   Spoon warm strawberry sauce over the casserole and serve hot.