Breakfast Alert : One Dish Strawberry French Toast

Happy Monday everyone! I had leftover baguette that needed to be used already and so last night, I decided to make this delectable which I adapted from my cousin-in-law Liza from New Jersey who made it for us last Christmas. It's a really easy and no-fuss recipe which you can prepare overnight and just pop in the oven the next day. The original recipe calls for Blackberry jam but I used strawberry jam and fresh strawberries instead since my kids love strawberries. 

1 cup strawberry jam 

1 French bread loaf, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

1 (8-oz.) package  cream cheese cut into 1-inch cubes 

4 large eggs 

2 cups half-and-half or milk (your choice)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 

Toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream (optional)

Preparation:

1. Cook jam in a small saucepan over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring once.

2. Place half of bread cubes in bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with cream cheese cubes, and drizzle with melted jam. Top with remaining bread cubes.

3. Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients. Pour over bread mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover tightly, and chill 8 to 24 hours.

This is how it looked after soaking everything overnight

4. Preheat oven to 325°. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bread is golden brown and mixture is set. Serve with desired toppings. I put fresh strawberries on top to add color and freshness :)

Enjoy! Make your breakfast a little extra special! :) Enjoy the rest of the week.

Excited for his breakfast! He looooves strawberries! 

My happy and satisfied boy today :)

Cheers,

Pattie