why make this recipe
This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering. It combines the classic flavors of French toast and fresh blueberries into a simple, make-ahead dish that everyone will love. You can prepare it the night before, making it a stress-free option for busy mornings. The blend of sweet blueberries, creamy custard, and a crunchy streusel topping creates a delightful treat that is both satisfying and delicious.
how to make Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Extra fresh blueberries
Directions:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread to ensure even distribution.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press the bread gently to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with extra blueberries if desired.
how to serve Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Serve the casserole warm from the oven. Dust it with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also add extra fresh blueberries on top for a colorful touch. This dish pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice.
how to store Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
To store leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
tips to make Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- For best results, use thick slices of brioche or challah bread as they soak up the custard well.
- If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding to the dish.
- Feel free to add other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a different flavor.
variation
You can customize this casserole by adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the streusel topping. You can also substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast.
2. Is it necessary to use brioche or challah bread?
While brioche and challah are recommended for their richness and texture, you can use any bread you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the final texture may vary.
3. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Assemble it, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes Thick slices recommended for soaking
- 1.5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries No need to thaw if using frozen
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Streusel Topping
- 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Extra fresh blueberries
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread to ensure even distribution.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press the bread gently to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Streusel Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serving
- Serve the casserole warm from the oven. Dust it with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also add extra fresh blueberries on top for a colorful touch.