This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a fun and tasty breakfast dish! It combines soft bread, fresh blueberries, and a creamy egg mix baked to perfection.
It’s like breakfast and dessert rolled into one! I love making it ahead of time, so all I have to do is pop it in the oven. Who doesn’t enjoy a warm, sweet treat in the morning? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread or Brioche: I love using brioche for its rich, buttery flavor, but French bread works perfectly too! If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread instead. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up during baking!
Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries give great flavor and color. If they aren’t in season, you can use frozen blueberries—just thaw and drain some moisture before adding them to avoid a soggy casserole.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding and creating a rich texture. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg, though the texture might vary a bit.
Whole Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess, but feel free to swap in 2% milk or almond milk if you prefer a lighter option. My go-to is oat milk as it adds a lovely flavor!
Granulated Sugar: The sugar sweetens the dish. You can use brown sugar for deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the color.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Bread Soaks Up the Custard?
To make sure the bread absorbs all the tasty custard, follow these steps. First, give it a good press down after pouring the egg mixture over it. This helps the bread soak up as much liquid as possible.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after pouring the egg mixture. This gives the bread some time to absorb the liquid.
- For the best results, cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. It gives even more time for the bread to soak and makes morning prep fast.
By using this technique, you’ll end up with a soft, flavorful casserole that’ll please everyone at the breakfast table! Enjoy!
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 45-50 minutes to bake. If you choose to let it sit overnight in the fridge, you can do that ahead of time, making breakfast a breeze. Altogether, allow for about an hour for baking and resting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This keeps your casserole from sticking to the dish!
2. Prepare the Bread and Blueberries:
Next, take your cubed bread and place it evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries on top, distributing them evenly among the bread. This will create little bursts of fruity goodness throughout!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until it’s nice and smooth—this is your custard that will soak into the bread!
4. Combine and Soak:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands, helping it soak up all that tasty custard. Let the casserole sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak it in. If you want to prepare it the night before, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Once you’ve allowed it to soak, place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The lovely aroma will start filling your kitchen!
6. Cool and Dust:
When it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar and scatter some extra fresh blueberries on top for a pretty finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the casserole warm. You can add maple syrup, whipped cream, or yogurt on the side for an extra treat. Enjoy your cozy, delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen blueberries! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding to the casserole. This will help prevent your dish from becoming too soggy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven to enjoy again!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. After pouring the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it in the morning when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Whole Milk?
If you don’t have whole milk, you can use 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Just make sure the substitute is unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced!
