Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the comforting flavors of French toast with the sweetness of blueberries. This make-ahead recipe allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture overnight, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal perfect for leisurely mornings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the casserole:
- 12 slices of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberriesRecipe Girl®
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milkRecipe Girl®
- 1 cup heavy creamKalefornia Kravings+2Simply Recipes+2Allrecipes+2
- 1 cup granulated sugar, dividedSouthern Living
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extractSouthern Living
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamonRecipe Girl®+2Allrecipes+2Simply Recipes+2
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
For the blueberry sauce:
- 1 cup white sugarAllrecipes
- 1 cup waterAllrecipes+1Simply Recipes+1
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh blueberriesAllrecipes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half of the bread cubes in the dish.Reddit+2Wishes and Dishes+2Kalefornia Kravings+2
- Scatter the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of blueberries over the bread.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes.
- Prepare the custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ½ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and blueberry layers in the baking dish.
- Gently press down the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
- Bake the casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare the blueberry sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
- Add the water and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the blueberries and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the blueberries begin to pop.
- Stir in the butter until melted and smooth.Wishes and Dishes+9Allrecipes+9Kalefornia Kravings+9
- Serve:
- Slice the baked casserole into individual servings.
- Spoon the warm blueberry sauce over each serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole!Reddit
Tips:
- Bread Selection: Using day-old bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Berry Variations: Feel free to substitute blueberries with other berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Make-Ahead: Preparing the casserole the night before allows the flavors to meld and simplifies morning preparation.
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, making it a favorite choice for family breakfasts and special gatherings.