Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that combines thick-cut bread soaked in a vanilla-cinnamon custard with fresh or frozen blueberries. It’s baked until golden and served warm, making it an easy and delicious brunch option ideal for busy mornings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah), cubed
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the casserole.
- Assemble bread and blueberries: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the blueberries evenly on top.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine custard and bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly on the bread to help it absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the bread soak up the custard fully, enhancing the flavors.
- Bake: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption and texture.
- Frozen blueberries may be used directly from the freezer without thawing to avoid excess moisture.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before to save time on busy mornings and make breakfast stress-free.
