Blueberry French Toast Casserole (Printer-Friendly)

Baked golden bread cubes with blueberries soaked in a creamy custard, perfect for cozy weekend mornings.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 1 lb rustic loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)

→ Fruit

02 - 1.5 to 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

→ Custard

03 - 5 large eggs
04 - 2 cups milk, whole or 2%
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 6 tbsp sugar
07 - ½ tsp vanilla extract
08 - 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
09 - ⅛ tsp kosher salt

→ Topping

10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced
11 - 2 tbsp sugar

→ Miscellaneous

12 - Butter, for greasing baking dish
13 - Optional: powdered sugar, for serving
14 - Optional: warm maple syrup, for serving

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
02 - Arrange half of the bread cubes in the baking dish, sprinkle with two thirds of the blueberries, then top with remaining bread cubes and blueberries.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 6 tablespoons sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and kosher salt until well combined.
04 - Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and berries, gently pressing to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
05 - Let the mixture sit uncovered for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
06 - Set oven to 350°F (175°C). If refrigerated, allow the dish to come to room temperature while the oven heats.
07 - Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over the top, then dot with diced unsalted butter.
08 - Bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden. If chilled, extend baking by a few minutes until done.
09 - Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes to set before serving.
10 - Dust with optional powdered sugar or drizzle with warm maple syrup. Slice and serve warm.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use brioche, Hawaiian rolls, cinnamon swirl, or cinnamon raisin bread for variation.
02 - Substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, dried cranberries, currants, or raisins.
03 - If using frozen berries, add them directly without thawing to prevent excess liquid.
04 - Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a convenient brunch.
05 - Freeze baked slices wrapped tightly; thaw in fridge or microwave and warm gently.
06 - Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to one week.

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