Blueberry French Toast Casserole: A Breakfast Delight
Introduction
Whether for a leisurely weekend brunch or a holiday morning feast, Blueberry French Toast Casserole brings together ease and indulgence in one dish. With a delightful combination of sweet blueberries, creamy custard, and a golden crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
For tips on achieving the perfect bread base, explore Perfect Bread Cubes.
What Is Blueberry French Toast Casserole?
This dish is a baked version of classic French toast, layered with cubes of bread soaked in custard and topped with blueberries. Unlike traditional stovetop French toast, this casserole is baked, making it ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
For topping ideas, check out Creative Casserole Toppings.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (French, brioche, or challah)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter (cold, cubed)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preparing the Base
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cube the bread and layer it in the dish, spreading blueberries between the layers.
2. Making the Custard
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour evenly over the bread and blueberries.
3. Adding the Topping
- Mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
4. Baking
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
- Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
Creative Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Twist: Add lemon zest to the custard for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Mix chocolate chips into the bread layers.
- Berry Medley: Combine blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and cream with almond or coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit, bacon, or sausages for a complete brunch spread.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy meal.
Looking for another casserole idea? Try the Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Use them straight from the freezer without thawing to prevent extra moisture.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
4. What’s the best type of bread for this dish?
Day-old bread like French, brioche, or challah works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
Internal Linking Opportunities
- Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Gravy Casserole: A savory companion to balance the sweetness of this dish.
- Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes: A tropical-inspired dessert for brunch.
- Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake: A seasonal no-bake dessert option.
Conclusion
With its sweet custard, juicy blueberries, and golden topping, Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a breakfast or brunch masterpiece. Easy to prepare ahead and customizable to suit any palate, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Experiment with variations and serve it at your next gathering for a dish everyone will love.
