Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast perfect for brunches or holiday mornings. Cubes of French bread are soaked in a rich custard infused with vanilla and cinnamon, layered with fresh blueberries, and baked to golden perfection. Enjoy the comforting blend of sweet and fruity flavors with an optional dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf (14 to 16 ounces) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer Bread and Blueberries: Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly in the dish and sprinkle half of the blueberries on top. Repeat with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries, creating two layers.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Gently press down the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard fully.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the custard-soaked bread to add richness and help the crust brown beautifully.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bring to Room Temperature: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit uncovered at room temperature for about 20 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the uncovered casserole for 45 to 55 minutes until the center is set and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle a simple streusel topping over the casserole before baking.
- Maple syrup or a drizzle of vanilla glaze pairs beautifully with this dish.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
