Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is easy to prepare and full of flavor. The overnight resting allows the bread to soak up all the delicious custard mixture, making it extra moist and flavorful. The addition of fresh blueberries provides a burst of sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, eggy bread. Whether you serve it for a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of day-old French bread (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Arrange half of the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread.
- Top with the remaining bread slices and blueberries.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with an overnight resting period. Bake time is 45-50 minutes, making the total time approximately 1 hour (excluding the overnight chill time).
Variations
- Add other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a mixed berry version.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole without overnight refrigeration?
While the overnight resting helps the bread soak up the custard, you can skip it if you’re short on time. Just allow the casserole to sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Yes, you can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or any other bread that will soak up the custard mixture nicely.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Conclusion
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a sweet, comforting dish that is perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. The mix of custard-soaked bread and fresh blueberries creates a flavor combination that’s sure to please everyone. It’s easy to prepare the night before, so you can wake up to a warm, delicious meal that’s ready to serve.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings or special brunch gatherings. With its rich custard-soaked French bread, sweet blueberries, and warm, comforting flavors, it’s a dish that will impress your family or guests. Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a hassle-free, delicious start to the day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (excluding the overnight chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Make-Ahead Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 slices of day-old French bread (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. -
Layer the Bread and Blueberries:
Arrange half of the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread.
Top with the remaining bread slices and blueberries. -
Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. -
Assemble and Refrigerate:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours). -
Bake the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning. Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. -
Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
-
Variations:
- Swap blueberries for other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
- Add nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
-
Storage:
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings.
