This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a dream come true for breakfast lovers! Soft bread, juicy blueberries, and a sweet egg mixture come together to create a fun and tasty dish.
Just imagine waking up to the smell of this delicious breakfast waiting for you. I love preparing it the night before—it makes mornings so much easier and oh-so-yummy! 🥞💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using brioche for its soft texture, but challah works just as well! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole grain or sourdough. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale for the best results.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk gives richness, while heavy cream adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk or an almond milk blend can work nicely as substitutes. Just adjust the sweetness as needed!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen ones can also fit. If using frozen, no need to thaw—just toss them in as is. You can also swap in other berries like strawberries or raspberries for a twist!
Eggs: While 4 large eggs create the best custard, you can use chia seeds or flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute if you need a vegan option—about 1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
How Do I Make Sure the Bread Absorbs All That Yummy Custard?
One key step is letting the bread soak overnight. It allows the custard to penetrate every piece, making it soft and delicious. Pressing the bread down gently after pouring in the mixture helps ensure it soaks up all the flavors.
- Before refrigerating, be sure to cover tightly to prevent any drying out.
- When baking, look for a golden brown top. This indicates the custard is set but still moist inside.
Keep an eye on it toward the end of the bake time to avoid overcooking! This makes for a breakfast treat everyone will love!
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into thick slices or cubes (about 8-10 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping)
For Greasing and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This overnight blueberry French toast takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 45-50 minutes of baking time. After just a few simple steps, you’ll let it sit overnight. The next morning, pop it in the oven for a delightful breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
First, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with unsalted butter. This helps prevent the French toast from sticking. You can use your hands or a paper towel to spread the butter evenly.
2. Arrange the Bread:
Next, take your bread and cut it into thick slices or cubes, then spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure to fill in any gaps to create an even layer.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Then add the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is fully combined and smooth.
4. Soak the Bread:
Now, pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use a spatula or gently press down with your hands to ensure everything gets soaked well. After that, sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top.
5. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit overnight or for at least 6 hours. This allows the bread to soak up all the yummy flavors!
6. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the oven time to get nice and hot for the best baking results.
7. Bake the French Toast:
Remove the plastic wrap from the dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check with a knife; it should come out clean when it’s done.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit before slicing.
9. Enjoy Your Breakfast:
Serve warm with extra blueberries on top, a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you like, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious and comforting breakfast! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Brioche and challah are popular for their richness, but you can also use sourdough, whole grain, or any sturdy bread. Just ensure it’s a bit stale to absorb the custard well.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Use non-dairy milk and a plant-based cream alternative as well for a delicious vegan version!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Freeze Overnight Blueberry French Toast?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! After baking and cooling, cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen, adding a bit of extra time to heat through.
