Imagine waking up to a heavenly aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet blueberries wafting through your kitchen - that's exactly what this French Toast Casserole promises! Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family gatherings, or when you want to impress breakfast guests, this dish transforms ordinary bread into a decadent, custardy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups blueberries
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare your baking dish by generously greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes, allowing them to be slightly uneven for better texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a rich custard base.
- Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the bread soak for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid completely.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
- Spread half of the soaked bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a first layer.
- Sprinkle one cup of fresh blueberries over the first bread layer, distributing them evenly.
- Add the remaining soaked bread cubes on top, creating a second layer.
- Scatter the remaining cup of blueberries over the top layer, ensuring they are distributed throughout the casserole.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to set and make serving easier.
- Serve warm, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for best results. Brioche, challah, or French bread work wonderfully, as they absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
- Soaking Time Matters: Allow the bread to soak in the custard for at least 10-15 minutes. This ensures each cube is thoroughly saturated, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Blueberry Distribution: Spread blueberries evenly between layers to ensure every bite has a burst of fruity goodness.
- Temperature Check: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F for even baking and that golden-brown top.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast.
- Serving Suggestions: Enhance the dish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 271kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
