Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of french bread cut into cubes provides the base for the casserole, absorbing the custard mixture beautifully.

Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.

Eggs: Large eggs are used to create the custard mixture that binds the casserole together.

Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps create the custard base.

Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard.

Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard mixture.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the dish.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the custard.

Ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note to the casserole.

Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Butter: Small pieces of butter are dotted on top to add richness and help create a golden-brown crust.

When preparing the blueberries for this casserole, consider lightly tossing them in a bit of flour before adding them to the bread. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom and ensure even distribution throughout the dish.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it a great alternative for a more decadent casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture to french bread and absorbs the custard mixture well.

• fresh blueberries - Substitute with frozen blueberries: Frozen blueberries work well and are available year-round, just thaw and drain them before use.

• fresh blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries provide a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the casserole.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: For a vegan option, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in custard-based dishes.

• milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that provides a similar consistency to cow's milk.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds a rich texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is less rich but still provides a creamy texture.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a unique flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a different flavor profile.

• brown sugar - Substitute with molasses: Molasses adds a deep, rich flavor and can be used in smaller quantities.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a unique sweetness and flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon and other spices for a more complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that works similarly in baking.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a rich texture and a slight coconut flavor.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This ensures that condensation doesn't make the bread soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing. Cut the casserole into individual portions for easier reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Place the wrapped portions in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

• If reheating the entire casserole, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to regain some crispiness on top.

• For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh blueberries or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of fresh flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover blueberry French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This method ensures the casserole retains its moisture and flavor.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap the steam. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is convenient but may result in a slightly soggier texture.

• If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the blueberry French toast casserole on a toaster oven tray. Heat for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning. This method gives you a delightful crunch on the top layer.

• For an extra touch of indulgence, reheat the casserole on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a portion of the casserole and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy. This method adds a rich, buttery flavor to each bite.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the blueberry French toast casserole in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method provides a quick and crispy reheating option.

• Baking dish: A 9x13 inch dish to hold the casserole and ensure even baking.

• Whisk: Used to thoroughly mix the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

• Large bowl: For combining the wet ingredients before pouring them over the bread.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the milk, cream, and sugars.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt precisely.

• Knife: To cut the loaf of French bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the bread on.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the bread cubes and blueberries evenly in the baking dish.

• Refrigerator: To chill the casserole for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the casserole.

• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Cooling rack: To let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cube the french bread and measure out the blueberries the night before to save time in the morning.

Mix egg mixture in advance: Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt the night before and store in the fridge.

Use pre-cut bread: Purchase pre-cubed bread to eliminate the need for cutting.

Quick assembly: Layer the bread cubes and blueberries in the dish the night before, so you only need to pour the egg mixture in the morning.

Preheat oven early: Turn on the oven while you finish the final assembly to save time.