Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, so irresistibly delicious, that it transforms your ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Blueberry Surprise French Toast Casserole is not just a recipe—it's a morning miracle that combines the comfort of classic French toast with a burst of juicy blueberries, creating a dish that will have your family racing to the breakfast table. Prepare to be the breakfast hero with this show-stopping, make-ahead marvel that promises pure morning magic in every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by generously greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking and texture.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a first layer of bread.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of fresh blueberries over the first layer of bread cubes, distributing them evenly.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the blueberries to create a second layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread is saturated and the liquid is evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries on top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow bread to absorb the custard mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before you plan to bake.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old French bread for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing the casserole the night before allows the bread to fully soak up the delicious egg mixture, intensifying the flavor.
- Blueberry Distribution: Spread blueberries evenly between layers to ensure every bite has a burst of fruity goodness.
- Temperature Matters: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Doneness Check: The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of decadence, serve with additional maple syrup, fresh whipped cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and quickly reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
