If you’re looking for a delicious, hassle-free breakfast option, Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is an ideal choice. This dish combines sweet blueberries, rich cream cheese, and soft bread soaked in a custard mixture that’s prepared the night before. The result is a flavorful, satisfying casserole that you can simply bake in the morning for a relaxing brunch or special occasion.
What makes this casserole even better is its versatility. You can adapt it to suit different preferences and dietary needs, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions. For other brunch ideas, check out these spring brunch recipes, which offer a variety of easy and creative dishes.
If you’re looking to pair your casserole with additional sides, consider something like healthy chicken parmigiana for a complete meal that balances sweet and savory flavors. Now, let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dish step-by-step.
Ingredients for Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into cubes
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 oz of cream cheese, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- ½ cup of maple syrup
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp of salt
- 2 tbsp of butter, for greasing the baking dish
For the Blueberry Sauce:
- 1 cup of blueberries
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch
- 2 tbsp of butter
Step-by-Step Recipe for Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
1. Preparing the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the cubed cream cheese and blueberries over the bread, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
2. Making the Egg Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. This custard will soak into the bread overnight, making it moist and flavorful.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
3. Baking the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Making the Blueberry Sauce
1. Preparing the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Add the blueberries and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes until the blueberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the butter to finish.
2. Serving the Blueberry Sauce
- Drizzle the warm blueberry sauce over each portion of French toast casserole. For added sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream.
Customizing Your French Toast Casserole
- Add More Fruits: Swap or combine blueberries with other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
- Savory Version: If you prefer something savory, leave out the fruit and add bacon, ham, or spinach to create a savory French toast casserole.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t sacrifice creaminess.
Serving and Storing the Casserole
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for balance. It also goes well with classic brunch sides like scrambled eggs or sausage.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by placing the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance to allow the custard to fully soak into the bread.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
How can I prevent my casserole from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, lightly toast the bread cubes before assembling the casserole. This helps the bread hold its shape while soaking up the custard.
Can I freeze an Overnight French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Conclusion
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delicious, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for a stress-free breakfast or brunch. With its sweet, custardy layers and warm blueberry sauce, it’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re making this for a holiday gathering or a simple weekend breakfast, the convenience and taste of this casserole make it a must-try.
For more inspiration on breakfast or brunch ideas, take a look at air fryer salmon recipes for a savory dish to complement your sweet casserole!