Sweet Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 3 Cups Whole Milk
• 10 Large Eggs
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Orange Zest ((about 1/2 an orange))
• 1 Cup Ricotta Cheese
• 1 TBS Unsalted Butter
• 1 Loaf Brioche Bread (– cut into 3/4’’ cubes (about 1 pound))
• 1 (12 ounce) Jar Fruit Preserves ((I typically use Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves) )
• As Needed Kosher Salt
• 1/3 Cup Sliced Almonds
• 3 TBS Heavy Cream ((substitute: whole milk or half-and-half))
• Optional Garnishes: Sliced Fresh Fruit, Fresh Mint Leaves, and Powdered Sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Make Egg Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Then set the bowl aside.

2. 2

   Grease Pan, Add Brioche: Grease Pan, Add HALF the Bread: Grease an 8x11’’, or 9x13’’ baking dish with the butter. Then, add half of the bread cubes to the prepared baking dish, arranging them to cover the bottom of the dish.

3. 3

   Pour Egg Custard Over Bread: Add Half the Egg Custard: Slowly, and evenly, pour half of the egg-milk mixture (about 2 1/2 cups) over the bread in the casserole dish.

4. 4

   Layer Sweet Fruit Preserves and Ricotta: Layer in Fruit Preserves and Ricotta Cheese: Dollop half of the ricotta cheese (1/2 cup) over the soaked bread, being sure to drop the ricotta by the spoonful evenly over the bread. Next, dollop half of the preserves (1/2 cup) over the top of the casserole.Arrange the remaining bread cubes evenly over top of the preserves. Then, slowly pour the remaining egg-milk mixture over the bread. And finally, spoon the remaining ricotta and jam evenly over the top.

5. 5

   Cover Casserole and Refrigerate: Cover and Refrigerate Casserole - optional: For best results, cover the sweet breakfast casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.If you have refrigerated the strata, remove it from the fridge and let the strata sit on the counter while the oven preheats to remove the chill. Remove and discard plastic wrap.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven preheats, Use a pastry brush to gently brush the top of the casserole with the heavy cream. Then, sprinkle the almonds all over top.

7. 7

   Bake Sweet Breakfast Casserole: Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake UNCOVERED, for 55 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, golden brown, and the center is set (meaning, the casserole doesn't jiggle when you shake the pan). (SEE NOTES)

8. 8

   Garnish Casserole with Powdered Sugar: Let Dish Cool Slightly, then Garnish: Remove the breakfast casserole from oven, place the pan on a wire rack, and let cool for 10 minutes. Scatter fresh mint leaves and sliced or chopped berries over the top of the casserole and then dust powdered sugar all over the top.

9. 9

   Serve Sweet Breakfast Dish: Slice and Serve Sweet Breakfast Dish: Use a sharp knife to cut the sweet breakfast bake into squares and serve immediately. Enjoy!