Description
A delectable Blueberry French Toast Casserole that is perfect for breakfast or brunch, combining the sweetness of blueberries with a creamy custard.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche or challah, sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 6 oz. half pints blueberries (12 ounces total)
- 2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened (16 ounces total)
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 eggs at room temperature
- 2 cups half and half at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For serving: Blueberry sauce, berry syrup, maple syrup, or strawberry syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add the cubed bread in a single layer to a large baking sheet (15×21-inches) or two half sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes, until toasted but the center is still soft. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until smooth. Beat in the eggs until smooth, followed by the half and half, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract and salt.
- Transfer half of the cubed bread to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish; evenly layer with half of the blueberries. Pour half of the custard evenly over the dish. Add remaining bread in a single layer followed by the remaining blueberries and remaining custard. Press down with a spatula to submerge the bread in the custard. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while you preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Optional: While the casserole is baking, make the blueberry sauce according to the recipe directions.
- Serve the casserole warm with blueberry sauce, berry syrup, maple syrup, or strawberry syrup.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Keep an eye on the bread while toasting to prevent burning.
- If baking sooner, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg