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Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 101 reviews

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish featuring cubed French or Italian bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cream, and maple syrup, layered with fresh blueberries and creamy chunks of cream cheese. Baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar, it offers a perfect balance of tart sweetness and creamy texture, ideal for family gatherings or special mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French or Italian bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
  • 6 eggs
  • 1¼ cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

For Garnish

  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered sugar
  • Syrup (preferably warm maple syrup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly using non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Arrange the bread cubes: Place the cubed French or Italian bread evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a uniform layer for maximum soaking of the custard mixture.
  3. Add blueberries and cream cheese: Sprinkle fresh blueberries and evenly distribute cubed cream cheese over the bread pieces, gently tossing them to mix but keeping some pockets of cheese intact.
  4. Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Pour custard over bread: Evenly pour the prepared egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread pieces are soaked to create a creamy texture.
  6. Refrigerate to soak: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard; for best flavor, soak up to 12 hours overnight.
  7. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  8. Initial baking with foil: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to gently cook and set the custard without drying out the top.
  9. Bake uncovered to brown: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the center is fully set and the edges turn a golden brown color.
  10. Remove and garnish: Take the casserole out of the oven, then garnish the top with fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a visually appealing finish.
  11. Serve: Serve warm with additional maple syrup on the side to drizzle, enhancing the sweetness and moistness of each serving.

Notes

  • For best texture and flavor, allow the casserole to soak overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread to better absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy.
  • Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; if using frozen, do not thaw to avoid excess moisture.
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste preferences.
  • Optional toppings include nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • This dish can be assembled the night before for convenient morning baking.

Keywords: blueberry French toast casserole, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, easy brunch recipes, maple syrup French toast

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/