Get ready to impress your family and friends with this sumptuous Blueberry French Toast Casserole! Combining the buttery richness of brioche, the vibrant burst of fresh blueberries, and a zesty hint of lemon, this dish transforms a traditional breakfast into a delightful feast. Prepare it the night before and cozy up with a cup of coffee as it bakes to golden perfection in the morning. Trust me; it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Budget Information
Total recipe cost: $15.00, Cost per serving: $1.88 (serves 8)
Why This Recipe Works
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a game-changer for breakfast lovers! Thanks to the luscious brioche bread soaking up the rich custard, every bite is an explosion of flavors that balances sweetness and tartness beautifully. The lemon zest not only brightens the dish but also elevates it, making it feel fancy without the hassle. Plus, the convenience of prepping it beforehand means you can enjoy lazy mornings without skipping a beat!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
To whip up this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces brioche bread – $5.00
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries – $3.00
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – $0.50
- 1/2 cup lightly packed light brown sugar – $0.75
- 8 large eggs – $2.50
- 1 cup whole milk – $1.00
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter – $1.00
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – $1.25
- Pinch of salt – $0.05
If you can’t find brioche, feel free to use challah instead. For those following a non-dairy diet, oat milk or almond milk can easily replace whole milk!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab a large, sharp serrated knife and cut the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. This size will allow for perfect soaking of that delicious custard. Once sliced, spread half of those beautiful bread cubes evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, sprinkle half of the blueberries over the top, creating a colorful layer that sings of summer.
Step 2: Now, let’s layer up! Top the blueberries with the rest of the brioche cubes, making sure there are no empty spots. Finish with the remaining blueberries on top, ensuring every inch of bread is adorned with those juicy fruits. The visual appeal will make it hard to resist even before it’s baked!
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and brown sugar. Using your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and well mixed. This little trick adds a depth of citrus flavor that will permeate throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Next, whisk in the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the lemon-sugar mixture until thoroughly combined. The result should be a smooth, golden mixture that holds the promise of creamy perfection.
Step 5: Now, pour that luscious custard slowly and evenly over the bread and blueberries. It’s essential to cover all the bread cubes so they can soak up all that heavenly mixture. Once done, cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the bread to absorb all those flavors.
Step 6: When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes as the oven finishes preheating. Then, place it in the oven, covered with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. This helps cook the center while keeping the top fluffy.
Step 7: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and let the casserole bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the casserole should be puffed up and golden brown while the custard in the center is set. When it’s done, pull it out and let it cool for a few moments. You want those perfect slices!
Step 8: Serve warm, and don’t forget to drizzle a little maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for that brunch-time touch!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 390
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Total Fats: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 296mg
Cholesterol: 211mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to relive that delightful breakfast experience, simply reheat a slice in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. If you prefer, you can warm the entire dish in a low oven (around 350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, covered in foil, for that freshly baked feel!
Serving Suggestions
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is delectable on its own, yet toppings can elevate it to new heights! Serve it warm topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Want to make it feel more dessert-like? Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or some homemade blueberry sauce. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, a spoonful of lemon curd can bring out the zest even more!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Pro tip: Assemble the casserole the night before when you have some extra time. This makes mornings a breeze and lets the flavors meld beautifully! If you enjoy a cinnamon kick, feel free to swap the lemon zest for a teaspoon of cinnamon—delicious as well. And remember, you can experiment with different fruits! Raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries would all be wonderful in this recipe, so feel free to get creative!
Recipe FAQs
Does the casserole have to chill overnight before baking? Not at all! You can let it chill for at least 4 hours, which is perfect to allow the bread to soak up the custard. If you’re ready to dig in sooner, feel free to bake it after 4 hours!
I love cinnamon in my french toast. Can I add that instead? Absolutely! Just omit the lemon zest and mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a cozy twist.
Can I use other berries in this recipe? Yes! If you prefer other berries or they happen to be in season, feel free to substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Just make sure to prep the strawberries by dicing them and halving larger berries!
What if I can’t find brioche? No worries! Challah bread is a fantastic alternative and will give you that lovely custard soak.
How many servings does this recipe provide? This recipe yields about 8 generous servings, perfect for feeding a crowd!
