Introduction
Start your day off right with our delightful Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole, a decadent breakfast treat that’s perfect for lazy mornings or special occasions. This make-ahead casserole features layers of fluffy French bread soaked in a sweet custard, studded with juicy blueberries, and topped with a crunchy streusel topping. Whether served for brunch with family and friends or enjoyed as a cozy breakfast in bed, this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors and comforting aroma.
History of French Toast
French toast, also known as “eggy bread” or “pain perdu,” has been enjoyed by cultures around the world for centuries. While the exact origins of French toast are unclear, variations of this dish can be found in ancient Roman, medieval European, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The concept of soaking stale bread in a mixture of eggs and milk to revitalize it and create a tasty dish has stood the test of time, evolving into the beloved breakfast staple we know today. Our Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole puts a modern twist on this classic dish, transforming it into a convenient and indulgent make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the French Toast:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish, then scatter the blueberries evenly over the bread.
2. Make the Custard Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the baking dish, making sure all the bread cubes are coated.
- Press down gently on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard mixture. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together and the bread to soak up the custard.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cubed cold unsalted butter to the bowl, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the soaked bread mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole into squares and serve warm.
- Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or serve with whipped cream, if desired.
- Enjoy the delicious combination of fluffy French toast, juicy blueberries, and crunchy streusel topping in every bite.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully made Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole, a delightful breakfast dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. With its make-ahead convenience and irresistible flavors, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation. Whether served for brunch with family and friends or enjoyed as a cozy breakfast in bed, Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and brighten your morning.