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Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast dish featuring layers of brioche bread and fresh blueberries soaked in a lemon-scented custard. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, it offers a rich, custardy texture with sweet and tangy blueberry bursts, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Bread and Fruit

  • 16 ounces brioche bread
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

Custard and Flavoring

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ⅔ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Spray one 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Assemble bread and blueberries: Using a large serrated knife, cut the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. Place half of these cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread. Repeat layering with the remaining bread cubes followed by the remaining blueberries, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Mix lemon zest and brown sugar: In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and light brown sugar. Use your fingertips to rub the lemon zest into the sugar until the mixture is fragrant and well blended.
  4. Prepare custard mixture: To the lemon sugar mixture, add the eggs, whole milk, melted and cooled unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  5. Pour custard over casserole: Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and blueberries in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or up to overnight (maximum 12 hours), allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare to bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
  7. Bake the casserole: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is puffed evenly and the custard center is fully set.
  8. Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly, then serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired.

Notes

  • Using brioche bread provides a rich flavor and soft texture; stale brioche works best for soaking custard.
  • If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw to avoid making the casserole soggy.
  • The lemon zest adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.
  • Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps retain moisture and ensures even cooking.
  • Refrigerating the assembled casserole for several hours or overnight is crucial for the bread to absorb the custard fully.
  • This casserole can be made the night before for convenient breakfast preparation.
  • Optional toppings include additional fresh berries, nuts, or whipped cream for extra texture and flavor.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/