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Imagine a tasty breakfast dish ready to go ahead of time. It’s perfect for family gatherings or special events. A blueberry French toast casserole feeds 8-10 people and needs just a few ingredients. You’ll need a big loaf of French bread, eggs, milk, and fresh or frozen blueberries.
A classic blueberry French toast casserole recipe has eggs, half and half, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s poured over cubed bread, topped with streusel and fresh blueberries. The best casserole is made with love, using quality ingredients and simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A blueberry French toast casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast dish that can be prepared ahead of time.
- This blueberry French toast casserole recipe is perfect for a family gathering or special occasion, feeding 8-10 people.
- The casserole can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and frozen for up to 3 months if previously baked.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need:
Bread: The bread is key in the blueberry French toast casserole. Day-old bread works best. It soaks up the egg mixture well, making the casserole cohesive.
Eggs and Milk: Eggs and milk are important for the casserole. They mix to make a creamy custard. You’ll need 6 eggs and 2 cups of milk.
Blueberries and Streusel Topping: Blueberries and streusel topping make the casserole sweet and tasty. You’ll need 2 cups of fresh blueberries. The streusel topping, made from sugar, flour, and butter, adds crunch and sweetness.
Step by Step Instructions
To make the recipe, follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Base
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Place slices of brioche or challah bread in the dish, slightly overlapping. Cut the bread into cubes for a custardy texture. Scatter fresh or frozen blueberries over the bread.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and a touch of sugar. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries. Press the bread down to soak in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Drizzle with maple syrup or powdered sugar. Add extra fresh blueberries or whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for the Perfect Bake
Use Stale Bread: Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while stale bread absorbs the liquid better.
Let it Soak: Let the casserole soak in the fridge for several hours or overnight. This ensures the bread fully absorbs the custard mixture.
Check for Even Cooking: Rotate the dish halfway through baking to ensure even browning. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Fresh Fruit: Top your casserole with fresh fruits like sliced bananas, strawberries, or raspberries. This adds vibrant color and freshness.
Add Whipped Cream or Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt. This complements the rich custard flavor.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the casserole. This enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely richness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Refrigerate Overnight: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak in the custard, giving a richer flavor and perfect texture.
Store Leftovers Properly: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick option.
Freeze for Later: Freeze the casserole before baking for a future brunch. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Reheat Individual Portions: Reheat portions in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast or dessert. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Using Enough Liquid: Make sure the bread is fully soaked in the custard mixture. If the bread is too dry, it won’t absorb the liquid properly and may turn out overly dry or crumbly after baking.
Using Fresh Bread: Fresh bread can make the casserole too soggy. Use slightly stale bread for the best texture, as it will hold up better when soaked in the custard.
Not Letting It Soak Long Enough: Rushing the soaking process can result in a less flavorful casserole. Be sure to let it soak for a few hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb all the flavors.
Overbaking: Overbaking can cause the casserole to become dry. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness to avoid overbaking. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil.
The Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar for the custard
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes in the dish, slightly overlapping. Scatter blueberries evenly over the bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to submerge the bread.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or powdered sugar, and top with additional fresh blueberries or whipped cream, if desired.
Video
Notes
FAQ’s
How should a blueberry French toast casserole be served?
Serve it with maple syrup and fresh whipped cream. Add other toppings for a pretty dish.
Can a blueberry French toast casserole be made ahead and stored?
Yes, you can refrigerate, reheat, or freeze it. It’s great for meal planning.
Are there any variations on the classic blueberry French toast casserole recipe?
Yes, you can add nuts for crunch. Try other berries or make it vegan and gluten-free.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making a blueberry French toast casserole?
Don’t overbake, use enough liquid, and pick the right bread.
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