This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a warm, sweet treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Imagine fluffy bread soaked in creamy egg and milk, all blended with juicy blueberries!
It’s easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones. Plus, a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes it look fancy. Seriously, who can resist that? 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah makes the casserole rich and fluffy. If you don’t have either, regular white bread or a sturdy whole grain can work too. Just make sure it’s a bread that can soak up the liquid.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but if they’re out of season, frozen blueberries can be a great substitute. Just add them directly from the freezer without thawing.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream give a creamy texture. You can swap whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option, but the heavy cream is trickier. You might want to use coconut cream instead if you’re avoiding dairy.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is preferred, but you can use brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. For a healthier alternative, try maple syrup or honey, though this will change the overall liquid content slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in a Casserole?
Getting the ideal balance between soft and custardy is crucial. Start by using bread that’s a day or two old for the best absorption. If fresh bread is all you have, toast it lightly first to dry it out a bit.
- After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up all that delicious custard.
- Baking uncovered helps create a golden, slightly crispy top while keeping the insides soft.
Enjoy your casserole with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for that extra touch! Happy cooking!
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6-7 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 45-55 minutes to bake. Including the time to let it sit and absorb the flavors, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. It’s a great make-ahead dish, so you can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter or a non-stick spray to make sure your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Assemble the Bread and Blueberries:
Take the cubed brioche or challah bread and place it evenly in the baking dish. Then, scatter the fresh blueberries all over the top of the bread cubes, making it colorful and tasty!
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined—it will smell wonderful!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Use a spatula to press down gently to help the bread soak up all that delicious custard.
5. Let it Soak:
Let your casserole sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture well and become nice and soft.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown, the edges slightly crispy, and the center should be set. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps set it a little more. Then, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish and garnish with extra blueberries and mint leaves if you like!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice the casserole and serve it warm, drizzled with maple syrup or honey for an extra touch of sweetness! Enjoy your delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Berries?
Absolutely! While blueberries are the star of this recipe, you can use raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of your favorite berries. Just keep in mind that different berries may have varying sweetness levels, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Just assemble the casserole as directed, cover it with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps with a fluffy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven covered with foil to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the whole milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the final texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
