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How to Make Three Berries French Toast Casserole in an Instant Pot
French toast casserole is a beloved breakfast dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy morning with family. Adding a medley of berries takes this classic comfort food to a new level of deliciousness. Using an Instant Pot to prepare this dish makes it not only quicker but also incredibly convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a delightful Three Berries French Toast Casserole in your Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread and Berries
- Cube the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. Allow the cubes to sit out for a few hours or overnight to become slightly stale, which helps them absorb the custard mixture better.
- Mix the Berries: Gently toss the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries together in a separate bowl. Set aside.
2. Make the Custard Mixture
- Whisk Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently fold in the mixed berries, making sure they are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Instant Pot
- Grease the Insert: Lightly grease the inner pot of your Instant Pot with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Add the Casserole Mixture: Transfer the bread and berry mixture into the greased Instant Pot, spreading it out evenly.
4. Prepare the Topping
- Mix Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the casserole in the Instant Pot.
5. Cook the Casserole
- Set the Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 25 minutes on high pressure.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
6. Finish and Serve
- Check for Doneness: Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. The casserole should be set and a bit puffed up. If it’s still a little too liquidy, let it sit with the lid open for a few minutes to firm up.
- Serve: Scoop the casserole into bowls or plates. You can garnish with additional fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Bread Choice: Using slightly stale bread or leaving it out overnight helps it absorb the custard mixture better. Fresh bread can become mushy.
- Berry Variations: Feel free to use frozen berries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, you can cook it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if needed.
Using the Instant Pot for French toast casserole is a game changer, making a typically oven-baked dish much quicker and easier to prepare. Enjoy this berry-packed breakfast treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to festive brunches!