Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked blueberry French toast casserole wafting through your home, a dish so scrumptious it could easily become your new weekend tradition! This Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole is not only a feast for the senses but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. With layers of fluffy bread, juicy blueberries, and a rich custard that melds everything together, this dish promises to impress everyone at the table. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Take the loaf of bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is slightly stale, it will absorb the custard mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until completely smooth and well combined.
- Layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle one cup of blueberries over the first layer of bread cubes, distributing them evenly.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the blueberries, creating a second layer.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture slowly and evenly over the bread, ensuring all cubes are saturated. Press down gently with a spatula to help bread absorb the liquid.
- Scatter the remaining cup of blueberries on top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, opt for a slightly stale loaf of bread, such as brioche or challah. The staleness allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture more effectively, resulting in a perfectly moist casserole.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with different fruits! While blueberries are a classic choice, you can also add raspberries, strawberries, or even diced apples for a unique twist.
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy mornings, prepare the casserole the night before. Simply follow the instructions up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: Allowing the casserole to sit covered for 15-20 minutes after pouring the custard over the bread is crucial. This step ensures that every piece of bread is saturated and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to set.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of indulgence, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with warm maple syrup before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of yogurt can also elevate this dish to a whole new level!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
