Description
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful baked breakfast dish featuring cubed French bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and studded with fresh blueberries. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings, it offers a comforting blend of creamy textures and sweet, fruity flavors with a golden, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread and Blueberries: Evenly spread the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle fresh blueberries over the top to distribute fruit throughout the casserole.
- Prepare Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful custard base.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread absorbs the custard for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture.
- Bring to Room Temperature: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Add Butter and Bake: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole, then bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, soak the casserole overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- You can substitute blueberries with other fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or strawberries.
- Use day-old French bread for better absorption of the custard.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.
- Ensure the casserole is baked thoroughly so it sets in the center to avoid a soggy texture.
