Berry Brioche Cream Cheese French Toast Bake for Brunch

Looking for a festive addition to your 4th of July brunch? This Berry Brioche French Toast Bake is the perfect choice. It’s an indulgent, shareable breakfast featuring fluffy brioche, sweet strawberries and blueberries, creamy cubes of cream cheese, and a touch of cinnamon—beautifully red, white (creamy), and blue for the holiday.

Why bake your French toast

Baking French toast is an easy shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Rather than dipping and pan-frying each slice, a baked casserole lets the custard soak into the bread and feeds a crowd with minimal hands-on effort. It’s ideal for relaxed weekend breakfasts and festive brunches.

What bread to use (and how to make it gluten-free)

Brioche is the ideal choice for this recipe thanks to its rich, fluffy texture that soaks up the custard. Challah works well as an alternative. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free loaf and verify any powdered sugar or processed ingredients are safe for those with severe sensitivities. Slightly stale bread will absorb the mixture better, producing a more custardy interior.

How to make Berry Brioche French Toast Bake

1. Chop the brioche loaf into bite-sized cubes and set aside. Cube the cream cheese separately.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined.
3. Place the brioche cubes in an oven-safe baking dish. Scatter strawberries and blueberries over the bread, and tuck cream cheese cubes across the top.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the bread to soak.
5. Remove any foil, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes until set and golden. Serve with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

How to store this French toast bake

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to eat it within 24 hours, simply cover the baking dish and refrigerate. Reheat portions gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Other breakfast ideas for your summer brunch

If you’d like to expand your brunch menu beyond this French toast bake, consider a mix of sweet and savory dishes. Popular complementary options include cinnamon roll–inspired French toast roll-ups, savory egg dishes like shakshuka or Turkish eggs with roasted peppers, and a nutty baklava-style skillet pancake for a show-stopping centerpiece.

• Cinnamon roll–style French toast roll-ups for a sweet, gooey treat.
• Turkish eggs with roasted peppers and yogurt for a savory, tangy option.
• Baklava skillet pancake with a crunchy nut topping and honey for a dessert-like brunch item.
• Classic shakshuka served with warm pita for easy sharing.

Common questions