The Bite: The Ultimate French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
The Ultimate French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe: Brunch Has Never Been Better!
Hey there, everyone! So, let me clarify something right off the bat: my upbringing was anything but Midwestern, and casseroles were virtually nonexistent in my childhood home. But you know what they say about things that come into your life late—they bring a special kind of magic. It's like discovering your favorite song or movie as an adult. That's precisely the kind of spell this French toast casserole recipe with cream cheese has cast on me, transforming my brunch game forever.
A Toast to Fewer Dishes
Now, who doesn't love the idea of fewer dishes? Seriously, my 2020 mantra was all about minimalism, including cutting down on that sink pile-up. And that's where this heavenly French toast casserole recipe with cream cheese comes in. It's not just about tantalizing your tastebuds; it's also a shout-out to every busy person who craves soul-soothing comfort without a sink full of dirty dishes.
Channeling Fall in the Heat of California
Look, I get it; the Californian sun has been relentless this year. We're all practically baking alongside our bread. But when I whip up this cozy French toast casserole recipe with cream cheese, I feel like I'm enveloping myself in a big, comfy sweater of deliciousness. Even on the hottest days, this dish takes me to a chill autumn morning, where the leaves are crisp, and the air is cool.
The Crowd-Pleaser for All Seasons
This recipe isn't just a one-hit-wonder. Whether we're retreating to the mountains with friends or hosting a laid-back brunch potluck, this dish is my go-to. Depending on the season and my whims, I'll toss in some pumpkin, apples, or dried cranberries. And you better believe it; the dish vanishes faster than you can say, "What's for dessert?" Not a single crumb left to tell the tale.
Culinary Alchemy in Just 10 Minutes
Don't let the gourmet taste fool you. You don't need a chef's hat to master this French toast casserole recipe with cream cheese. It's surprisingly simple, taking just 10 minutes of prep time. So, novice cooks and culinary experts alike, rejoice! Your next brunch masterpiece is merely an oven preheat away.
A Flavor Palette That Dances
And can we talk about flavors? Imagine your kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls freshly baked, and then we take it up a notch by marrying it with the essence of French toast. It's a delightful rollercoaster of sweet and savory, thanks to the cream cheese and optional nuts, designed to make every bite feel like a mini-celebration.
Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe: An Unmissable Brunch Favorite
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 minutes
Optional Soundtrack: I’ll Admit It - Falcon
Ingredients:
1 Canister of Annie’s Organic Cinnamon Rolls (So excited that Annie’s started to make their own version of these - No artificial flavors or preservatives) *found in refrigerator section at your local grocery store
4 oz of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
4 tablespoons kerry gold butter, melted
¼ Cup of Whole Milk (or sub heavy cream for a richer flavor)
1 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Bean Extract
A sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon
+ Optional Top with Pecans
Note - You make this the night before and refrigerate and all the flavors really soak in the dish.
How to Make the Best French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Butter your baking dish, I use an 8x8 Glass Baking Dish
Open the Canister, and cut each cinnamon roll into 3rds.
Chop the cream cheese into little pieces.
Start to layer in your pieces of cinnamon rolls and cream cheese pieces
Mix Eggs, Milk and Vanilla Extract, Nutmeg, Cinnamon together
Pour Mixture over the casserole
Sprinkle with nuts
Pop in the oven for 30-35 mins.
The icing packet that came with your cinnamon rolls pour over once your casserole is baked. (or I leave off, I think it's just as good without)
We Want to Hear from You!
Tried this French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese recipe? Loved it? Changed it? Share your culinary journey with us by tagging @GalsThatBrunch and using the hashtag #GalsThatBrunch. Cheers to fewer dishes and more delicious moments! 🥂
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ENTREPRENEUR | COMMUNITY CHAMPION | BRUNCH AFICIONADO
Tiffany Accardi is an Entrepreneur, Community Champion, Brunch Aficionado and occasionally moonlighting as a GTB "blogger". Based in Los Angeles, CA with her Chocolate Lab, Milo. Lover of all things sparkly, creative, community, pool floating, soulful conversations + fabulous dinner parties. Her passion is creating family, community, and deep impacts.
Through her own journey of pursuing freedom it has been her hope and purpose to raise up ideas and encourage people to develop their dreams and visions into the highest callings on their lives. To see people walk in complete freedom, fullness and wholeness as we are all so perfectly designed to be.