Blueberry French Toast Casserole
A comforting blueberry French toast casserole with sweet, cinnamon-spiced bread and fresh blueberries, perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfast treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the French bread diagonally into 10 to 14 slices about 3/4-inch thick.
- Place the bread slices on a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, baking powder, and vanilla.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, turning to coat all slices.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Before serving, preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Use butter to grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a dish, mix sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch.
- Gently stir in blueberries until coated.
- Place the bread slices, wettest side up, on top of the blueberries.
- Wedge the slices in tightly, cutting some to fit if necessary.
- Brush the tops of the bread with melted butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah instead of French bread. If you prefer a sweeter dish, consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup to the egg mixture. You can also substitute fresh blueberries with frozen ones; just ensure to thaw and drain them first. For a twist, mix in nuts or chocolate chips, perhaps inspired by Hershey'S Chewy Chocolate And Chip Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Blueberry French Toast Casserole warm, dusted with powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. It pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. For a refreshing touch, consider a fruit salad on the side. This dish is perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast gathering, making it a go-to among American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, roughly 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blueberry French Toast Casserole contains roughly 2751 calories, with 3g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 277g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just follow the recipe up to the point of refrigerating it overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a richer flavor.
What can I use instead of blueberries?
You can substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or even a mix of berries. If you opt for another fruit, ensure they are fresh or properly thawed if using frozen, to maintain the dish's texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat products. However, ensure the bread used is free from any animal-derived ingredients if strict vegetarianism is a concern.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).