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Overnight Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 57 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Total Time: 9 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Cubes of day-old bread are layered with cream cheese and fresh blueberries, soaked overnight in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup, then baked to golden perfection. The dish offers a creamy, fruity, and comforting start to your day.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread Layer

  • 12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Custard

  • 12 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • â…“ cup maple syrup


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
  2. Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese: Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish, then top them with the cream cheese cubes to distribute the creamy texture throughout the dish.
  3. Add Blueberries and Remaining Bread: Sprinkle fresh blueberries evenly over the cream cheese, then cover with the remaining bread cubes to form the top layer of the dish.
  4. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the custard that soaks into the bread.
  5. Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, ensuring all pieces soak up the custard mixture.
  6. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight (about 8-12 hours) allowing the bread to fully soak up the custard, resulting in a tender and flavorful casserole.
  7. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature for even cooking.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  9. Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil or a lid for 30 minutes to gently cook through without drying out.
  10. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the cover and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the center is set and the surface is lightly browned, indicating it is fully cooked.
  11. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set before serving so it slices more cleanly.
  12. Serve Warm: Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as extra maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries for an indulgent and satisfying breakfast.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread helps it absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy.
  • Feel free to substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor.
  • This dish can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for brunch or holiday mornings.
  • If you prefer, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth and flavor.
  • Ensure the baking dish is well greased or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Letting the dish sit at room temperature before baking helps ensure even cooking.