why make this recipe
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is perfect for a crowd or a special breakfast. You can prepare it the night before, which saves you time in the morning. Imagine waking up to the warm scent of baked French toast filled with creamy cheese and fresh blueberries. It’s a delightful dish that combines sweet flavors with a comforting texture, making it an excellent choice for holidays, brunches, or just a cozy breakfast at home.
how to make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 loaves cubed French bread, day-old
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups milk
- 8 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Directions
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries.
- Layer the bottom of a 10×14-inch baking dish with bread cubes.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour this mixture over the layered bread, ensuring all bread is soaked.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top, cover with foil, and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until set and browned.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
how to serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
This casserole is best served warm. You can cut it into squares and serve it with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Adding a few fresh blueberries or slices of banana as a garnish can make it look even more appealing.
how to store Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze portions of the casserole for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread may become too soggy.
- Feel free to mix in other berries or fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a new twist.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- For a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts to the top before baking.
variation
You can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. For a healthier option, you can reduce the sugar or use whole grain bread.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this casserole without blueberries?
Yes, you can use other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even sliced bananas instead of blueberries.
2. Can I bake this casserole immediately?
While it’s best to let it sit overnight, you can bake it immediately. Just note that the bread may not soak up the egg mixture as well.
3. How can I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the whole dish back in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
For the cream cheese mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup blueberries Gently fold into the mixture
For the casserole
- 2 loaves cubed French bread, day-old
- 2 cups milk
- 8 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup blueberries For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries.
- Layer the bottom of a 10×14-inch baking dish with bread cubes.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour this mixture over the layered bread, ensuring all bread is soaked.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top, cover with foil, and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until set and browned.
- Let cool slightly before serving.