This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a wonderful way to start your morning. It features layers of soft bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture, all bursting with juicy blueberries.
Honestly, it’s like a cozy hug in a dish. Perfect for brunch or even a lazy weekend breakfast! I love making it ahead and just popping it in the oven. Super easy and so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: I recommend using a fresh loaf of French bread for the best texture. If you don’t have French bread, you can substitute with challah or brioche, which are both delicious and slightly sweeter.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are a must for this recipe! If they’re out of season, frozen blueberries work too—just don’t thaw them beforehand to avoid sogginess.
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for the custardy texture. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you can use a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer, but the texture may vary.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich taste, but you can easily substitute it with almond milk or any dairy-free milk if you want a lighter version.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor without extra salt. If you want to keep it dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter are good alternatives.
How Do I Ensure My Bread Soaks Up the Egg Mixture Well?
The key to a perfectly soaked casserole is the soaking time. Press down gently on the bread after pouring the egg mixture over it—this encourages absorption.
- Cover the dish with foil and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This allows flavors to meld.
- When baking, cover the casserole with foil for the first part to prevent browning too quickly, then uncover to achieve that golden finish.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure the bread absorbs all the tasty custard, making every bite a delight!
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (about 12 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Blueberry French Toast Casserole takes about 20 minutes of prep time and at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge (or overnight for best results). Total baking time is around 45-55 minutes. So, you’re looking at an easy start in the morning with deliciousness waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This will help keep your casserole from sticking!
2. Layer the Bread and Blueberries:
Next, grab the cubed French bread and arrange it evenly in the greased baking dish. Take those beautiful fresh blueberries and sprinkle them over the top of the bread. They’ll add a yummy burst of flavor!
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until fully combined. This is where the magic happens, creating a sweet custard that soaks into the bread.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down the bread cubes so they soak up all that delicious custard.
5. Chill Before Baking:
Cover the assembled casserole with aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better! This allows the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
6. Bake it Up:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge. Place it in the oven, covered, and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. If you like, add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to dig in! Serve your Blueberry French Toast Casserole warm, with maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Each bite will be a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet goodness!
Enjoy your delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole — a perfect dish for any breakfast or brunch gathering!
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale bread is perfect for this casserole as it absorbs the custard mixture better. Just make sure it’s not moldy! If it’s a bit too dry, you can lightly toast it to help with the soaking.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Replace the French bread with gluten-free bread of your choice. Just ensure it’s a hearty bread that can hold up to being soaked in the custard mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Blueberries?
If fresh blueberries are hard to find, you can use frozen blueberries instead. Just toss them in directly from the freezer without thawing to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
Can I Freeze the Casserole?
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. Enjoy the ease of breakfast anytime!