Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
A delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole featuring cubed challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich custard with fresh blueberries, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, this recipe combines the sweetness of maple syrup and warm cinnamon for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus optional soaking time overnight)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed (Day-old or stale bread works best for texture)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed) (Feel free to substitute with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries)
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Assemble Bread and Blueberries: Place the cubed challah or brioche bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the fresh or thawed blueberries evenly over the top of the bread cubes for balanced fruit distribution.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the custard is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, making sure every piece is soaked thoroughly for maximum flavor and moisture absorption.
- Resting Time: For optimal texture and flavor, let the dish sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully; alternatively, refrigerate overnight for deeper infusion and easier morning preparation.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard has completely set, indicating the casserole is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking, then slice and serve warm. Add optional toppings such as powdered sugar, additional maple syrup, or whipped cream to enhance sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Day-old or stale bread is preferred for better texture and custard absorption.
- You can substitute blueberries with other berries like strawberries or raspberries.
- Allowing the casserole to soak overnight improves flavor and texture.
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for best results.
- Optional toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream add extra sweetness and decoration.
Keywords: blueberry french toast casserole, baked french toast, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, challah french toast, brioche french toast, easy breakfast casserole
