This post is sponsored by Eggland’s Best. Thank you for supporting brands that enable me to bring you great, new recipes! As always, all opinions are my own.

Prepare to transform your brunch experience with this incredible Bagel and Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Casserole. Featuring the superior quality of Eggland’s Best eggs, a rich blend of milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract, this casserole is poured over a delightful mix of bagels, tangy cream cheese, and fresh, vibrant strawberries. It’s an easy, make-ahead brunch recipe that promises to impress with minimal effort! Plus, discover exciting details on how you could receive an exclusive Better Brunch from the EB Better Egg Food Truck!

Indulge in the Ultimate Make-Ahead Bagel French Toast Casserole

There are some food memories that truly stick with you, weaving themselves into the fabric of your culinary preferences. For me, one such memory revolves around an exceptional bagel shop that once graced my old neighborhood. This was no ordinary bagel place; it was a cherished, family-owned establishment where the aroma of freshly baked bagels wafted through the air every morning, beckoning passersby.

Their bagels were a labor of love, crafted from scratch daily, each one a testament to their dedication to quality. I vividly recall their incredible Tomato and Basil bagels, perfectly paired with a generous schmear of cream cheese. It was a simple pleasure, yet profoundly satisfying. Sadly, as often happens with beloved local businesses, the shop eventually changed hands. Despite the new owner’s best efforts, the magic wasn’t quite the same, and the doors ultimately closed.

Even today, I find myself reminiscing about those perfect bagels, yearning for just one more taste. While this delightful Bagel and Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Casserole may not feature the savory notes of a tomato basil bagel, it captures the heart of that cherished memory by offering a similarly comforting and utterly delicious experience. It’s generously filled with creamy cream cheese, bursts of fresh strawberries, and an abundance of amazing flavor that will have you dreaming of brunch long after the last bite.

Why a French Toast Casserole is Your Brunch Best Friend

As an ardent admirer of French toast casseroles, I can confidently say there’s something uniquely enchanting about sweet bread, thoroughly soaked in a rich, custardy mixture, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, making it ideal for any special occasion or a relaxed weekend gathering. When you elevate it with the addition of plump strawberries and luxurious cream cheese, I become downright giddy at the prospect of brunch.

Traditionally, many French toast casseroles call for brioche or challah – thick, enriched breads known for their softness. However, for this particular recipe, we’re venturing into exciting territory by using bagels. And let me tell you, bagels are a game-changer! Their inherent chewiness, dense texture, and wonderfully absorbent nature make them an exceptional choice. They soak up the luscious egg mixture beautifully, creating a substantial, custardy interior that holds its own during baking. The result is a French toast casserole with a satisfying bite and an unparalleled depth of flavor, making it a standout addition to your breakfast and brunch repertoire.

The Heart of the Casserole: Superior Eggland’s Best Eggs

The foundation of any truly magnificent French toast casserole lies in its egg mixture. It’s the custard that transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary, melt-in-your-mouth delight. For this recipe, I exclusively reach for Eggland’s Best eggs, and for very good reason.

Eggland’s Best isn’t just a name; it’s a promise of superior nutrition and quality that genuinely elevates every dish. These eggs aren’t just eggs; they are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an impressive 6 times more Vitamin D and 10 times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs. Beyond that, they contain more than double the Omega-3s, which are essential fatty acids crucial for heart and brain health. They are also an excellent source of several vital B vitamins, including B12, B5, and Riboflavin, all contributing to energy metabolism and overall well-being. And for those mindful of their dietary intake, it’s worth noting that Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat than other ordinary eggs.

The commitment to quality doesn’t stop at nutrition. Independent testing consistently shows that Eggland’s Best eggs stay fresher longer than ordinary eggs, ensuring that your recipes always benefit from the highest quality ingredients. You can explore all the comprehensive nutritional facts and benefits of Eggland’s Best eggs by visiting their superior nutrition page. Choosing Eggland’s Best eggs means choosing a better, more nutritious, and ultimately more delicious foundation for your culinary creations.

Win a Better Brunch with the EB Better Egg Food Truck!

Speaking of amazing eggs and delicious brunch, get ready for an exciting opportunity from Eggland’s Best! They’re making brunch even better with a chance to win a visit from the EB Better Egg Food Truck!

From now until December 22nd, all Eggland’s Best fans have the chance to enter their city for an opportunity to win a visit from the coveted EB Better Egg Truck. Imagine the excitement of having a dedicated food truck bringing gourmet brunch straight to you! You can submit one entry per day, maximizing your chances of winning. Want to boost your odds even further? Share the contest on Twitter or Facebook for an additional bonus entry – it’s a simple way to increase your potential for a fantastic prize.

One incredibly lucky person from the winning city will be randomly selected to enjoy a private “Better Brunch” experience, courtesy of the EB Better Egg Food Truck, for themselves and their closest friends. This is an unparalleled chance to host an unforgettable gathering, complete with delectable dishes made with Eggland’s Best eggs.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Find all the exciting details and enter the contest here: https://www.egglandsbest.com/foodtruck.

And to stay completely up-to-date on all the latest news, events, and promotions from Eggland’s Best, be sure to give them a follow on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. You won’t want to miss any of the EB happenings!

Ready to Elevate Your Brunch?

This Bagel and Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories around the table. Its make-ahead nature means less stress on busy mornings, allowing you to simply pop it in the oven and enjoy a leisurely brunch with loved ones. The combination of chewy bagels, sweet strawberries, and a creamy, rich custard makes for a truly irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey. Your taste buds (and your brunch guests) will thank you!

Bagel and Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Casserole

Prep: 4 hrs 10 mins

Cook: 45 mins

Total: 4 hrs 55 mins

This Bagel and Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Casserole is an easy brunch recipe that’s perfect for entertaining or a special weekend treat!

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Ingredients

• 6 Eggland’s Best Eggs
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced (fresh or frozen)
• maple syrup (for topping, if desired)

Instructions

1. Line a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick foil, or generously coat it with baking spray. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. Tear 3 plain bagels into bite-sized pieces. Distribute these pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
3. Evenly sprinkle half of the cubed cream cheese and half of the sliced strawberries over the bagel pieces. These will create pockets of creamy, fruity goodness.
4. Tear the remaining 3 plain bagels into bite-sized pieces and layer them on top of the cream cheese and strawberries. Then, sprinkle the remaining cream cheese cubes and strawberries over this second bagel layer.
5. In a blender or a large mixing bowl, combine the Eggland’s Best eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Blend or whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
6. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring all the bagel pieces are saturated. Gently press down on any floating pieces to help them absorb the liquid.
7. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial step allows the bagels to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a perfectly moist and tender French toast.
8. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the uncovered casserole for 30 minutes.
9. After 30 minutes, loosely tent a piece of foil over the casserole to prevent excessive browning and continue baking for another 15 minutes (for a total of approximately 45 minutes). The casserole is done when it’s golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the casserole to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set and makes for cleaner cuts. Drizzle with maple syrup, if desired, and enjoy your delicious homemade Bagel and Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Casserole!

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American