Baked blueberry french toast is the ultimate weekend breakfast treat. This recipe transforms ordinary French toast into a delightful blueberry breakfast casserole perfect for lazy mornings or special occasions. The sweetness of the blueberries, the richness of the custard, and the golden brown crust make this baked dish simply irresistible. I remember my grandmother making a similar casserole every Christmas morning; the aroma alone was enough to bring everyone running to the kitchen. This recipe captures that same magic and warmth, making it a cherished tradition for my family, and hopefully soon for yours too.
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Why You Will Love This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
This baked blueberry french toast is pure comfort food, and what’s not to love about that? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially the night before, making it a fantastic option for busy mornings. The combination of the sweet blueberries and the creamy custard is simply divine. Plus, baking it instead of pan frying cuts down on the active cooking time, allowing you to relax and enjoy your breakfast with loved ones.
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Beyond being simple, this recipe is versatile. You can easily swap out the blueberries for other berries or fruits. Feel free to use a different type of bread. You can also add nuts or spices to your liking.
Ingredients Needed for This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
For the Custard:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How to Make This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared dish in an even layer. Sprinkle with half of the blueberries. Cover with the remaining bread cubes and top with the remaining blueberries.
Pour the Custard: Gently pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down on the bread if needed.
Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the blueberry french toast casserole. For another great recipe, check out our apple crumble recipe.
Refrigerate (Optional): For best results, cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the baked blueberry french toast casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
Serve this baked blueberry french toast warm, straight from the oven. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of elegance. I sometimes like to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries also make a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
Consider pairing this blueberry breakfast casserole with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced and satisfying brunch. A light and refreshing fruit salad also complements the richness of the French toast.
How to Store This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
Leftover baked blueberry french toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can also freeze individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen baked blueberry french toast can be stored for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw the baked blueberry french toast overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly altered.
Tips to Make This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
- Bread Choice: Using a good quality bread like challah or brioche is crucial for the best results. These breads are richer and more absorbent than standard white bread.
- Overnight Soak: Soaking the bread overnight ensures that it fully absorbs the custard, resulting in a soft and creamy texture. If you're short on time, a minimum of 2 hours is recommended.
- Even Baking: To prevent the topping from browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole dish with foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery custard. The casserole is done when the custard is set and the topping is golden brown.
Helpful Notes for This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
Feel free to substitute the blueberries with other berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries. You can also add other fruits like peaches or apples for a different flavor profile.
If you don't have heavy cream on hand, you can use half and half or whole milk instead. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. I suggest using full fat milk for the richest results.
Variation of This baked blueberry french toast Recipe
For a fall inspired baked french toast add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the custard. You can also include diced apples or pears along with the blueberries.
For a chocolate version, add chocolate chips to the bread cubes before pouring over the custard. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the baked casserole before serving.
Consider adding a streusel topping with pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my baked blueberry french toast from being soggy?
To avoid a soggy casserole, ensure your bread is slightly stale and dry before soaking it in the custard mixture. Also, don’t oversoak the bread; a quick dip is sufficient.
Can I prepare baked blueberry french toast the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before baking for the best results. This makes it a perfect make-ahead breakfast option.
What is the best type of bread to use for baked blueberry french toast?
Challah, brioche, or French bread are all excellent choices for baked blueberry french toast. Their slightly sweet flavor and ability to absorb the custard make them ideal for this recipe.
Can I use frozen blueberries in my baked blueberry french toast?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to toss them with a little flour before adding them to the casserole to prevent them from sinking to the bottom and bleeding excessively.
How long does baked blueberry french toast last?
Baked blueberry french toast is best consumed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is properly covered. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This baked blueberry french toast recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family breakfast to a special brunch gathering. The combination of the sweet blueberries, creamy custard, and golden brown topping is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients and give this baked blueberry french toast a try; you won't be disappointed! It's a delightful way to start the day.
Baked Blueberry French Toast: The Easiest Breakfast Casserole
A delicious baked blueberry french toast casserole, perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Easy to prepare the night before!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 15g
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- 2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add half the bread, then half the blueberries. Top with remaining bread and blueberries.
- 3. Pour custard over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Use a spoon to gently press down if needed.
- 4. In a separate bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 5. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the casserole.
- 6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (optional).
- 7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and custard is set.
- 8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a good quality bread like challah or brioche. Soaking the bread overnight ensures a soft and creamy texture. You can substitute blueberries with other berries or fruits as desired.