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Ultimate Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole

A close-up of a square slice of moist Blueberry French Toast Casserole topped with fresh blueberries and drizzled with syrup.
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Prepare this make-ahead Blueberry French Toast Casserole the night before for a stress-free, custardy breakfast when you wake up. It is perfect for weekend brunch or holiday baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (16 ounces) thick-cut bread, such as challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Optional topping: 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. If using, whisk in the lemon zest. This creates the custard base.
  3. Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread and blueberries, ensuring all the bread soaks up the liquid. Gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the custard.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 12 hours). This soaking time is key for a custardy texture.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap.
  6. If using the optional topping, sprinkle the melted butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean). If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
  8. Let the baked French toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For the best gooey texture, use slightly stale or day-old bread; it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
  • If you need to bake this sooner, let the bread soak for at least 1 hour at room temperature before baking, though overnight is superior.
  • To prevent sogginess, make sure you distribute the custard evenly and press the bread down gently but firmly.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with heavy cream.

Nutrition

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