Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delicious and comforting breakfast casserole featuring cubes of day-old bread soaked in a custard mixture with cream cheese and fresh blueberries. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it offers a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors ideal for family brunches or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Casserole
- 12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Custard
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…“ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese: Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish, then top them with the cut cream cheese cubes, distributing them evenly.
- Add Blueberries and Remaining Bread: Sprinkle fresh blueberries over the cream cheese layer, then cover with the remaining bread cubes to form the top layer.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and blueberries, ensuring the bread absorbs the custard well.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Pre-bake Preparation: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off and allow it to come closer to room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake it for 30 minutes to gently cook the custard and warm through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes until the center is fully set and the top is lightly browned and slightly crisp.
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes outside the oven to set further and make serving easier.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as extra maple syrup or whipped cream for added sweetness and creaminess.
Notes
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it a great make-ahead breakfast option.
- Feel free to substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup in the custard or as a topping.
- Ensure the casserole dish is tightly covered while refrigerating to prevent drying out.
- Check the center for doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean when the casserole is fully baked.
