This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a warm and tasty treat, perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s made with soft bread, juicy blueberries, and a creamy egg mixture that bakes to perfection!
Who doesn’t love a dish that smells amazing while baking? It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, letting you relax until it’s ready to serve. Trust me, your family will go wild for it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Challah or brioche makes this casserole wonderfully rich and fluffy. If you need a substitute, use any soft bread like French bread or even a hearty whole-grain bread for a healthier twist!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for flavor and texture, but you can use frozen ones too. Just toss them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom as they bake.
Eggs: Large eggs are key for binding everything together. If you need an egg-free version, consider using a mixture of 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg.
Milk and Heavy Cream: Whole milk adds creaminess, while heavy cream makes it extra indulgent. For a lighter option, use 2% milk and omit the cream. You can also use non-dairy milk alternatives if needed!
Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens up the dish. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to taste.
How Do I Get the Best Texture from This Casserole?
The key to a fantastic texture lies in letting the bread soak in the egg mixture. After pouring it over the bread and blueberries, press down gently to ensure every piece gets coated. Letting it sit for 15-20 minutes is crucial. This gives time for the bread to absorb all that yummy custard goodness!
- When combining the egg mixture, whisk until smooth to ensure no lumps.
- Baking it until the top is golden ensures a crispy top layer while the inside stays soft!
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of challah bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and then bakes for 40-45 minutes. Don’t forget to let it sit for 15-20 minutes after pouring in the egg mixture. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the Bread and Blueberries:
Evenly place the cubed challah or brioche bread in the baking dish. Next, sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the top of the bread cubes, ensuring they’re well-distributed.
3. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth custard.
4. Combine the Bread with the Custard:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula or your hands to help them soak up the custard.
5. Add the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This will add extra flavor and a lovely golden color!
6. Soak the Casserole:
Let the casserole sit for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb all the delicious custard before baking.
7. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown top and make sure the custard is set in the middle.
8. Cool and Dust:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
9. Serve:
Cut into squares and serve warm, with maple syrup drizzled over the top. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves if you’d like!
Enjoy your Blueberry French Toast Casserole as a perfect, cozy breakfast or brunch treat, bringing warmth and joy to your table! 🍴💙
Can I Use Day-Old Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old bread works wonderfully for French toast casseroles as it soaks up the egg mixture better without becoming mushy. If you have fresh bread, you can also let it sit out uncovered for a few hours to dry slightly before using it.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas. You can also add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch. Just make sure any additional ingredients complement the overall flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this casserole dairy-free by substituting the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or a similar product in place of regular butter. Enjoy your delicious dairy-free version!
