Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and comforting brunch dish that everyone will love. Layers of bread and fresh blueberries soak in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, then bake to golden perfection. It’s perfect for making ahead and feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 10 cups French loaf (sourdough or challah, preferably stale)
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Zest from one lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Additional blueberries, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the bread cubes and half the blueberries to the dish, spreading them evenly. Then add the remaining bread cubes and blueberries on top.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs. Stir in the milk, granulated sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over all the bread cubes in the dish.
- Step 4: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the bread soak up the custard.
- Step 5: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the center.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle this topping evenly over the custard-soaked bread.
- Step 7: Bake the casserole for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Step 9: Serve topped with powdered sugar, additional blueberries, and maple syrup if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use slightly stale bread to prevent a soggy casserole and help it soak up the custard better.
- Swap blueberries for raspberries or sliced strawberries for a different berry flavor.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- If you like a richer custard, replace part of the milk with heavy cream.
Storage
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This casserole tastes best fresh but can freeze well for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, refrigerating it overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, making the casserole even more flavorful and moist.
What type of bread works best for French toast casserole?
French loaf, sourdough, or challah are ideal because they have a sturdy texture and absorb the custard well without becoming too mushy.
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Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish that combines the tartness of fresh blueberries with the rich flavors of eggs, cinnamon, and lemon zest soaked into cubes of sourdough or challah bread. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble, it’s an ideal dish for leisurely weekend mornings or brunch gatherings. Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and extra blueberries for a truly comforting and elegant meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 10 cups French loaf (sourdough or challah, stale), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Zest from one lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Extra blueberries
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut the bread: Cut the French loaf into 1-inch cubes, ensuring the bread is stale for optimal texture.
- Layer bread and blueberries: Place half of the bread cubes evenly in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries over them. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries, layering evenly.
- Prepare custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour custard over bread: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and blueberries, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Soak the casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until fully blended.
- Apply topping: Drizzle the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the soaked French toast casserole to create a sweet crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Dust the casserole with powdered sugar, add extra blueberries, and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- The casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate as instructed before baking.
- Feel free to substitute blueberries with other berries or fruit according to preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Blueberry French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Casserole, Baked French Toast, Blueberry Breakfast, Brunch Recipe
