Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Introduction
Imagine waking up to the aroma of golden, custard-soaked bread bursting with juicy blueberries. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is beloved for its unbeatable combination of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for brunch or preparing a comforting make-ahead breakfast, this casserole makes mornings effortless and delicious.
Why This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Stands Out
A favorite for special occasions and lazy weekends alike, this recipe features tender bread cubes soaked in a rich custard, dotted with plump berries, and baked to perfection. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of crispy edges and creamy, fruit-infused centers, all topped off with a delicate hint of sweetness. The result? A crowd-pleaser that brings everyone back for seconds.
Choosing and Preparing Key Ingredients
For best results, opt for sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread, which soaks up the custard without becoming soggy. Day-old bread provides the best texture, but you can lightly toast fresh bread if needed. Plump, fresh blueberries are ideal, though frozen berries (no need to thaw) will work in a pinch and infuse even more juiciness into the bake.
When prepping ingredients, a quality Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 ensures clean, safe slicing of bread and fruit.
Making the Perfect Custard Base
The heart of this casserole is the custard—a blend of eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. For a luxuriously smooth mixture, whisk ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Using a digital Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel guarantees precise measurement for consistent results every time.
If you like a bit more zip, consider adding the zest of one lemon to the custard for a subtle citrus lift.
Layering and Baking Your Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Begin by layering half the bread cubes in a greased casserole dish, sprinkling them generously with blueberries, then repeating the layers. Pour the prepared custard slowly and evenly to ensure every piece soaks up the flavorful mixture.
For effortless cleanup and perfect release, line your baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet. Let the casserole rest at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge, for maximum flavor and ease in the morning.
Serving and Garnishing Suggestions
Once golden and puffed, let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a scattering of extra blueberries. Serve directly from the baking dish or portion into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for convenient meal prep or brunch buffet display.
Pair this showstopping breakfast with a fresh fruit salad or a steaming mug of your favorite coffee for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information and Yields
This recipe yields 8 generous servings, each containing approximately 320–360 calories (varies with bread and toppings). It’s a wholesome, balanced treat—protein-rich and bursting with antioxidant blueberries.
Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole (Recap)
With crisp, caramelized edges and a custardy center studded with juicy blueberries, this casserole combines the best flavors and textures of breakfast classics in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s special enough for gatherings yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy release.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Top with 1 cup of blueberries, then layer the remaining bread and blueberries.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, melted butter, and lemon zest (if using). Use an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale to ensure accurate measuring.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing slightly to submerge. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until puffed and golden. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. For meal prepping, divide portions into your Bentgo Salad Container for a ready-to-go breakfast.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or additional blueberries before enjoying.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes to overnight
Bake Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (with minimum chilling)