Make Ahead French Toast with Strawberry Sauce

SIMPLY DIVINE. That’ll be the first word that comes to mind after having a bite of this French Toast. This will quickly become your go-to recipe to serve on Christmas morning, Mother’s Day, or any other occasion where you want to serve up something delectable. It’s rich and creamy but not too sweet. The Strawberry Sauce sends the flavor right over the moon!

Put the ingredients together on Friday night and enjoy the praises Saturday morning!

Ingredients

• 16 oz Brioche bread, torn or cubed
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 4 cups Half-n-half
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 lb fresh strawberries
• 10 oz jar strawberry preserves
• 1 Tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Lightly butter a 13 x 9 pan
2. Arrange half of the torn brioche pieces in the pan
3. Dot the cream cheese strategically around and top with remaining brioche
4. Whisk together eggs, half-n-half, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract
5. Pour over the brioche, lightly pat down and submerge the brioche so that its all evenly covered
6. Cover with saran wrap and put in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight
7. Bake covered at 350 for 25 minutes
8. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes

This French Toast is equally amazing served with your favorite syrup or jellies. Please see below for my Strawberry Sauce!

Strawberry Sauce

“We’re lucky to have some of the best strawberries in the country right here in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Known to be the Strawberry Capital of the world! When I make this sauce I usually double it because everyone loves it so much. It never goes to waste around here.

Strawberry Sauce Ingredients

• 1 lb Strawberries, sliced
• 16 oz jar of Strawberry preserves
• 1 Tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Remove the green stems and rinse strawberries really well with cold water
2. Lay in a single row on a clean tea towel
3. Let dry a bit
4. Slice strawberries
5. Over low heat in a medium sized saucepan add sliced strawberries, 1 Tablespoon water, and the preserves
6. Heat until warmed through and the preserves and strawberries have thinned down a bit. About 5 minutes (you don’t want to over cook the strawberries, you just want them warmed up enough to increase their flavors.)
7. Remove from heat and serve right away or store in the fridge until ready to use.

This strawberry sauce also pairs great with shortcakes, waffles, pound cake, or any other bread or puff pastry. It could not be more simple to make!