Oh, weekend brunch! Is there anything better? Seriously, the smell of coffee brewing, maybe some bacon sizzling… and the best part? Knowing you don’t have to rush! That’s why I *adore* a good make-ahead casserole, and this Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a total winner. It’s got that cozy, comforting French toast vibe, but with juicy bursts of sweet blueberries. Trust me, the textures alone are amazing – soft, custardy bread with a slightly crisp, buttery topping. Mmm!
My family? They go nuts for this stuff. It’s become a bit of a tradition for special occasions, especially when we have guests. Honestly, I think my love for brunch casseroles started with my grandma – she always had something bubbling away in the oven! This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is my updated take on that warm, comforting feeling. I think you are going to love it just as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Okay, so why *this* Blueberry French Toast Casserole? Let me tell you, it’s not just because it tastes amazing (though, that’s a big part of it!). Here’s the real deal:
Make-Ahead Convenience of this Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Seriously, who wants to be slaving away in the kitchen first thing in the morning? Not me! You can totally prep this Blueberry French Toast Casserole the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and boom – breakfast is served!
Delicious Flavor Combination in this Blueberry French Toast Casserole
The sweet blueberries are just… *chef’s kiss*. And the rich, creamy custard? Wow! Then you’ve got that buttery, slightly crispy topping. It’s like a party in your mouth, I swear. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is just bursting with flavor!
A Blueberry French Toast Casserole That’s a Crowd-Pleaser
Got a bunch of people coming over? This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is your new best friend. It feeds a crowd, and everyone always raves about it. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a lazy Sunday brunch with friends!
Gather Your Ingredients for Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to business! Before we even *think* about making this amazing Blueberry French Toast Casserole, we gotta gather our supplies. And trust me, using good ingredients makes all the difference. So, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed (Challah is my fave, but brioche works great too!)
- 8 large eggs (Gotta have those!)
- 2 cups milk (Whole milk gives it the best richness, in my opinion)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (Don’t skimp on this! It makes it extra creamy)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (For a little sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Adds that warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Can’t have French toast without cinnamon!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (The star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (For that golden, delicious topping)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (Adds a caramel-y depth)
How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friend, ready to get baking? This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a brunch masterpiece in no time. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot, I’m breaking it down for you!
Preparing the Blueberry French Toast Casserole Base
First things first, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter, but cooking spray works too! Then, just dump your cubed bread into the dish and spread it out evenly. That’s it! Base: done!
Making the Custard for Your Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Now for the yummy custard! Grab a big bowl and whisk together your eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk it good, until everything is nicely combined! It should be smooth and slightly frothy. This is what makes your Blueberry French Toast Casserole so rich!
Assembling the Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Alright, time to put it all together! Pour that amazing custard mixture *all over* the bread cubes. Make sure every piece of bread gets soaked! Then, sprinkle those beautiful blueberries evenly over the top. Finally, drizzle the melted butter and brown sugar mixture over everything. It’s gonna look SO good!
Chilling and Baking Your Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Now comes the hardest part: waiting! Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This lets the bread really soak up all that goodness. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set. The top should be nice and bubbly! Let it cool slightly before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Tips for the Perfect Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your Blueberry French Toast Casserole to the *next level*? I’ve got some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years that’ll make it absolutely perfect. Trust me on these!
First, bread matters! Challah and brioche are my go-to’s because they’re rich and soak up the custard beautifully. But if you’re in a pinch, even a good ol’ French bread loaf will work. Just make sure it’s a day or two old so it’s not too soft.
Blueberries feeling a little bland? Toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar before adding them to the casserole. Wow! What a difference. And remember, baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking it around 40 minutes. You want it golden brown and set, but not dry! A little jiggle in the very center is okay – it’ll firm up as it cools.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole Variations
Alright, so you’ve made the classic Blueberry French Toast Casserole, and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). But, hey, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up, right? So, here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing! Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s how the best recipes are born!
Instead of blueberries, try raspberries, strawberries, or even a mix of all three! Oh, and a little lemon zest in the custard? Amazing with any berry! Or how about adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a little crunch? Wow! My favorite part is adding a dash of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon for a warmer spice profile. You can also mix in a little chocolate… just saying!
Storing and Reheating Your Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Okay, so you *somehow* have leftovers of this amazing Blueberry French Toast Casserole (I’m impressed!). No worries, it keeps great! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, you’ve got options! For the best results, warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just nuke it in 30-second intervals until it’s warm. It might not be *quite* as good as fresh, but it’s still delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Got questions about this Blueberry French Toast Casserole? I got you! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions when it comes to deliciousness!
Can I use frozen blueberries? Absolutely! Just thaw them a bit and drain off any extra juice before you add them to the casserole. Fresh blueberries are amazing, but frozen work just fine in this Blueberry French Toast Casserole!
Can I make this without eggs? Hmm, that’s a tricky one! The eggs are pretty important for the custard. I haven’t tried it myself, but you could experiment with an egg substitute. If you give it a go, let me know how it turns out!
How long does it last? As I mentioned above, your Blueberry French Toast Casserole leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. But let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info for this Blueberry French Toast Casserole, right? Well, here’s a rough estimate: Each slice clocks in around 350 calories, but hey, it’s brunch! Just remember, it’s an estimate, okay?
Love This Blueberry French Toast Casserole? Leave a Review!
Tried this Blueberry French Toast Casserole recipe? Awesome! I’d *love* to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Plus, give it a star rating – it helps other folks find this yummy recipe!
Print
Disgustingly Good Blueberry French Toast Casserole, 350 Cal
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful Blueberry French Toast Casserole. This dish combines the comfort of French toast with the sweetness of blueberries, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange bread cubes in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour egg mixture over bread cubes, ensuring all bread is moistened.
- Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the top.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Drizzle over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a lemon zest to the egg mixture.
- Use frozen blueberries if fresh are not available. Thaw and drain them before using.
- Top with powdered sugar or maple syrup before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
