Okay, picture this: I’m Is it a Sunday morning, you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen? What’s the best way to make Blueberry French Toast Casserole? What is the lazy weekend cousin of French toast? What is the fuss? If you love French toast, this recipe will become your new best friend. This is one of those dishes that just screams “comfort food,” and believe me, it delivers!
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What is a blueberry french toast casserole?
Think of it as a deconstructed French toast that bakes up into a warm, custardy dream. It’s essentially bread soaked in a sweet egg mixture, loaded with juicy blueberries, and then baked to golden perfection. The name pretty much says it all! It’s a casserole because everything gets layered into a baking dish, and it’s French toast because, well, that’s exactly what it tastes like! The best part? You can assemble it the night before, and just pop it in the oven in the morning. No more standing over a hot griddle flipping slices of bread – this is a total game-changer for brunch.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? What I love most about this Blueberry French Toast Casserole is how incredibly easy it is. I’m talking minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. This one is a lifesaver on busy mornings. No one has time to make individual slices for a big family or a group of friends!
First, the flavorIs it amazing? The combination of the sweet, tangy blueberries with the rich, custardy bread is seriously good. Is the inside soft and gooey while the top gets slightly crisp?simplicityThis recipe is unmatched. Is it really necessary to mix all the ingredients in a baking dish and bake? Is it so foolproof that even my kids can make it?cost-effectiveWhat are some good blueberries to have in your pantry? Cheap, especially when they’re in season. What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?versatility! You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Swap the blueberries for raspberries or strawberries, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even better, sprinkle some dried cranberries. Is it necessary to drizzle it with maple syrup before baking? What are the endless possibilities? If you’re looking for similar recipes, try my apple cinnamon baked French toast or even a savory recipe. What is a sausage and cheese breakfast casserole? Is this a staple in my house?
How do I make blueberry french toast?
Quick Overview
What’s the best way to make custard? Is it safe to bake blueberries in a pan? Is it easy to soak bread overnight? Is it worth the wait to try this custardy treat?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (Brioche is my go-to because it’s rich and buttery, but challah works great too! Make sure it’s slightly stale – it soaks up the custard better.)
* 6 large eggs (Use good quality eggs – they make a difference in the richness of the custard.)
* 2 cups milk (I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! Regular milk works just as well, though.)
* 1 cup heavy cream (Don’t skimp on the heavy cream – it adds so much richness and flavor!)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar (You can adjust this to your liking – I like mine on the sweeter side.)
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract is a must – it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (A little salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.)
For the Filling:
* 2 cups fresh blueberries (Fresh is best, but frozen blueberries work in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (This helps to sweeten the blueberries and create a nice syrupy sauce as they bake.)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (The lemon juice brightens up the blueberries and adds a touch of tanginess.)
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar (Sift it to avoid any lumps in your glaze. ) * 2-3 tablespoons milk (Add the milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (This adds a nice touch of flavor to the glaze.)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always use butter for flavor! What should I do if my casserole is sticking to the pan?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Set aside. What do you like about custard? When the sugar is fully dissolved, it is not able to be absorbed.
Step 3: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the blueberries with the sugar and lemon juice. Set aside. How do you make blueberry sauce? How do you crush blueberries?
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to soak all the pieces. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Do not over-do the blueberry mixture on bread. At this point, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight, or bake it immediately. I always prefer to let it soak overnight – it really enhances the flavor and texture!
Step 5: Bake
Is it safe to bake custard in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes? Is there a knife that comes out clean? If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Every oven is different so keep an eye on it! I usually start checking around 40 minutes.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the casserole cool before glazing. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. How do I drizzle glaze over a casserole? How do I adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more or less milk? I like mine on the thicker side!
Step 7: Slice & Serve
How do you slice a blueberry french toast into squares and serve warm? I like to sprinkle it with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. I also like a little extra cinnamon. What is the touch of sweetness? What are some great side dishes to serve with whipped cream?
What should I serve it with?
What’s better than a blueberry french toast casserole? What are some complementary dishesFor Breakfast:Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or mimosa. I love serving this with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. What are some good salads to serve with a salad?For Brunch:Dress it up with a pretty platter and serve it alongside other brunch favorites like quiche, bagels, etc. What is the difference between smoked salmon What are some good ways to enjoy iced tea or lemonade?As Dessert: This casserole makes a fantastic dessert! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel would also be delicious. I’ve even served it with a scoop of lemon sorbet – the tartness complements the sweetness perfectly!
For Cozy Snacks:What is a good snack for an afternoon snack? Can you serve this with hot cocoa or milk? My kids ask for this all the time, especially on rainy days. Is this really good with fresh fruit? I like to add whipped cream to my smoothies.
How do I make blueberry french toast?
What are some tricks to make a Blueberry French Toast Casserole? From good to amazing!Bread Choice Matters: Why does breadI like brioche or challah because they’re rich and buttery, but any slightly stale can be a disaster. Does bread work? How do I make bread that soaks up custard without becoming soggy? Avoid using super soft bread, as it will turn to mush. I’ve used croissants before – the result was decadent!Don’t Overmix:When mixing the custard, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough casserole. Just whisk until the ingredients are mixed.Overnight Soak is Key.Can you bake this casserole immediately? This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a much more flavorful and moist bread. I always do this when I have time.Blueberry Prep:How do you toss blueberries with lemon juice and sugar before serving in a casserole? How do you make blueberry sauce? How do I keep blueberries from sinking in casserole?What is the importance of oven temperature?Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking the casserole. When baking it at the correct temperature, it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. I always double check my oven temperature with an oven thermometer.Doneness Test:To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! The top should be golden brown and the custard should set.Glaze Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the glaze to your liking by adding more or less milk. I like mine on the thicker side, but you can make it thinner if you prefer. For a bolder flavor, you can even use lemon juice instead of milk in the glaze.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients! You can use different types of berries, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard, or even drizzle it with maple syrup before baking. The possibilities are endless! One time I used peaches instead of blueberries and it was fantastic!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored and reheated for later.
Room Temperature: You can leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I don’t recommend freezing the glaze, as it can become watery.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the casserole, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. When reheating from frozen, bake it covered with foil until it’s heated through then remove the foil to let it brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is seriously one of my favorite brunch recipes. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect way to start a weekend morning, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as my family does!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my apple cinnamon baked French toast or my savory sausage and cheese breakfast casserole. Both are equally delicious and easy to make!
Happy baking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your questions or variations. And don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends! I hope you enjoy it!
Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bake: Perfect for Cozy Mornings!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups diced apples peeled and cored
- 10 large eggs
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of diced apples over the bread cubes.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing down gently to soak.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
- Bake in the preheated oven, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
