~ This irresistible, ooey-gooey French toast breakfast casserole captures the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a decadent yet wholesome dish. Easy to assemble at the last minute or the night before, it’s a favorite for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, and lazy weekends. ~

This Recipe Is:   •  Make Ahead  •  Vegetarian  •

Raise your hand if a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was your go-to school lunch. PB&J is a comfort food classic—quick, satisfying, and timeless. Many of us still reach for that familiar combo as adults because it’s simple and delicious.

If you prefer a healthier version of PB&J, use natural peanut butter, a whole-fruit jelly, and whole wheat sandwich bread. These simple swaps turn a nostalgic sandwich into a more nutritious option.

Now imagine those familiar flavors transformed into a make-ahead French toast casserole. The peanut butter melts into a warm, gooey filling while the jelly adds sweet fruitiness. Layered between slices of bread and soaked in a lightly spiced egg custard, the result is rich, comforting, and surprisingly elegant.

Pair the casserole with a simple strawberries-and-cream topping and fresh fruit for a bright contrast that balances the richness.

This dish is stealthy power food: it tastes indulgent but delivers staying power from protein and whole-grain bread. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and keeps well—making it a great choice for holidays, overnight guests, or a leisurely weekend breakfast.

The peanut butter filling becomes warm and melty while the jelly softens and mingles with the custard-soaked bread. And of course, there’s the French toast element—comfort food perfection.

Best of all, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for an easy, stress-free breakfast. It also reheats well for additional meals during the week—store baked portions separately from any fresh topping.

Stuffed French Toast Breakfast Casserole with Strawberries and Cream Topping

Yield:
12

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
50 minutes

Inactive Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes

This easy, make-ahead French toast casserole combines peanut butter and jelly flavors with a custardy soak for a crowd-pleasing breakfast.

•  Make Ahead  •  Vegetarian  •

Ingredients

• 12 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (see note)
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy recommended)
• 3/4 cup 100% fruit seedless strawberry jelly
• 12 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups nonfat milk
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving:

• Strawberries and Cream Topping
• Sliced strawberries and bananas (or other berries)

Instructions

1. Coat a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray and arrange 6 slices of bread in a single layer.
2. Spread each slice evenly with peanut butter, then with jelly.
3. Top with the remaining 6 slices of bread to form sandwiches.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread “sandwiches.”
5. If baking immediately: Preheat the oven to 375°F while you prepare. Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes so the bread begins to absorb the custard, then bake. If making ahead: After pouring the egg mixture over the sandwiches, cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
6. Bake at 375°F for about 50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and no longer runny. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Serve topped with the Strawberries and Cream Topping and fresh fruit.

Notes

Bread: Use sandwich-sized whole wheat bread so slices fit a 9×13 pan. If your slices are large, trim them to fit. Check labels and choose brands without high-fructose corn syrup or unnecessary additives.

Strawberry jelly: A standard 10-ounce jar typically supplies 3/4 cup for the filling and leaves some for the topping.

Make-ahead tips: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate overnight. Once baked, store separately from the topping and reheat portions during the week.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1 piece

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 349Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 355mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 4gSugar: 14gProtein: 17g

Nutrition info covers the casserole only and excludes toppings, which may vary. These values are estimates and can change based on ingredients and preparation.

Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch, feeding overnight guests, or simply craving a cozy weekend breakfast, this stuffed French toast casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and easy to love. Enjoy!