Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with fluffy bread cubes, creamy cream cheese, and juicy blueberries, all soaked in a rich egg and maple syrup mixture. It’s simple to prepare yet feels like an indulgent treat, making it the perfect breakfast or brunch option. You can easily make it ahead of time, saving you time in the morning while still serving up a comforting, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Bread and Dairy
- 1 loaf rustic white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup)
Fruit and Eggs
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, divided (if using frozen berries, defrost and drain them first)
- 8 eggs, beaten
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup plus more for serving
Directions
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer ingredients:
Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cream cheese cubes and half of the blueberries. Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, creating two layers.
3. Prepare the egg mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Combine and pour:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Lightly press down to help absorb the liquid.
5. Chill if making ahead:
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and for convenience. If baking immediately, proceed to the next step.
6. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the edges brown too quickly.
7. Rest and serve:
Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Slice into squares, drizzle with additional maple syrup, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 60-80 minutes
- Total time: 75-95 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Variations
- Add richness: For added richness, substitute heavy cream for part of the milk.
- Make it decadent: Serve with extra maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a decadent touch.
- Fruit swaps: Feel free to substitute blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
- Nutty twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for some extra texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well. Be sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the bake.
2. Can I make this the night before?
Yes, this dish is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
3. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can substitute rustic white bread with other types of bread like challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread.
4. Can I add other fruits to this dish?
Yes, you can mix in other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or even banana slices to add variety.
5. Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free milk. You can also use dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
6. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or brown sugar, depending on your preference.
7. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To make this dish lighter, you can use low-fat or non-fat milk, replace half of the butter with applesauce, and reduce the amount of sugar.
8. How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
The breakfast bake is done when a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top gets too dark, you can cover it loosely with foil.
9. Can I add nuts to the bake?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast to the soft texture of the bake.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the baked breakfast bake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Maple Breakfast Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special brunch or a cozy family breakfast. With its rich, creamy texture and burst of blueberry flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation!
Blueberry Maple Breakfast Bake Recipe
This Blueberry Maple Breakfast Bake combines the sweetness of blueberries with creamy cream cheese, maple syrup, and rustic bread, all baked to perfection. It’s an ideal make-ahead breakfast or brunch option, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy morning at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-80 minutes
- Total Time: 75-95 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bread and Dairy:
1 loaf rustic white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1 cup)
For the Fruit and Eggs:
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, divided (if using frozen berries, defrost and drain them first)
8 eggs, beaten
For the Liquids and Sweeteners:
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup maple syrup plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer ingredients: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cream cheese cubes and half of the blueberries. Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, creating two layers.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine and pour: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Lightly press down to help absorb the liquid.
- Chill if making ahead: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and for convenience. If baking immediately, proceed to the next step.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the edges brown too quickly.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Slice into squares, drizzle with additional maple syrup, and serve warm.
Notes
Variations: For added richness, substitute heavy cream for part of the milk. Serve with extra maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a decadent touch. Swap blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
