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Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 49 reviews

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful, custard-rich breakfast bake featuring fresh or frozen blueberries and a hint of bright lemon zest. Ideal for feeding a crowd, this dish is prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custardy mixture, then baked to golden perfection in the morning. Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar for a comforting and elegant start to your day.

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Bread and Fruit

  • 16 ounces brioche bread
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

Custard Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Using a large serrated knife, slice the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries, making sure to distribute everything evenly.
  2. Combine Lemon Zest and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the lemon zest and light brown sugar. Rub them together gently with your fingertips until the mixture is well combined and fragrant, enhancing the lemon’s aroma throughout the sugar.
  3. Make the Custard Mixture: To the lemon sugar mixture, add eggs, whole milk, melted and cooled unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk all the ingredients thoroughly until the custard is smooth and homogenous.
  4. Soak the Bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (maximum 12 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly.
  5. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature as the oven comes to temperature.
  6. Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes to cook the custard evenly and allow the dish to puff up nicely.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, then continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the custard is fully set in the center and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Accompany with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.

Notes

  • Use brioche bread for its rich texture and sweetness, but challah or French bread can be good substitutes.
  • Do not thaw frozen blueberries before assembling to prevent discoloration and excess moisture.
  • Allowing the casserole to soak overnight enhances flavor and custard absorption.
  • To keep the casserole warm longer, tent it with foil after baking.
  • For a nutty crunch, sprinkle sliced almonds or pecans on top before baking uncovered.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/