Oh, the simple joy of waking up to something delightful already waiting in the kitchen—it’s like the weekend decided to greet you with a hug (and maybe a cup of coffee). This Easy Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is my kind of breakfast magic. Bursting with juicy blueberries and the comforting warmth of cinnamon, it’s a sweet surprise that feels like a hug for your taste buds.
Steps
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle blueberries over the top and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for 3 to 24 hours, with overnight being optimal.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) after removing the pan from the refrigerator.
- For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in the cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the soaked bread.
- Bake the casserole for 45 to 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown. For a softer texture, aim for the shorter baking time.
- Serve the casserole warm and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, ensuring they are tightly covered.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (12–14 ounces/340–400g) of French bread, sourdough bread, or challah
- 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (69g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Additional blueberries
- Maple syrup
- Confectioners’ sugar
FAQ
- What type of bread works best for Blueberry French Toast Casserole?
- For the best taste and texture, use thick and hearty bread such as challah, sourdough, or French bread. Avoid regular sandwich bread. It’s ideal if the bread is a bit stale, as it will better absorb the egg custard.
- Can I use different fruits instead of blueberries?
- Absolutely. You can substitute blueberries with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of berries. In fall, cranberries, thinly sliced apples, or pears work wonderfully as well.
- What if I don’t have time to let the bread become stale?
- You can quickly dry out the bread by spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and toasting them in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
- Do I have to prepare the casserole in advance?
- While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to prepare the casserole ahead of time. Letting it rest for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, allows the bread to absorb the cinnamon-spiced egg custard thoroughly.
- How should I serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole?
- Serve it with maple syrup, additional fresh berries, homemade blueberry sauce, or a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar. For a balanced brunch, pair it with savory sides like quiche or a breakfast casserole.
Tips
- Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use thick and slightly stale bread such as challah or sourdough. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it by toasting the cubes in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 10 minutes.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the casserole the day before and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to thoroughly soak up the cinnamon-spiced egg custard for a more flavorful dish.
- Versatile Fruit Options: While blueberries are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even thinly sliced apples or pears depending on the season and your preference.
- Crisp Streusel Topping: For a delightful crunchy texture, prepare the streusel topping just before baking. Use cold butter and a pastry blender or forks to mix it with the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon before sprinkling it over the casserole.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan
- Pastry Blender
- Glass Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
