Delight in a cozy breakfast treat that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor! The Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole combines the sweet tang of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, making it a perfect dish for any morning gathering, be it a family brunch or a festive holiday get-together. This baked casserole absorbs all those delightful flavors overnight, resulting in a moist, buttery dish that’s golden and beautifully puffed when baked. With minimal effort, you can impress your loved ones with this delectable breakfast option!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 300
- Protein: 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 250 mg
Why Make This Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
This casserole is a dream come true for those busy mornings when time is limited but deliciousness cannot be compromised. Preparing it the night before allows the bread to soak up the custard-like mixture, leading to a perfectly textured dish that is sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. The addition of blueberries adds a burst of fruity flavor, while the lemon zest brightens every bite, making it incredibly refreshing. Plus, you’re free to enjoy your morning without the fuss of cooking – just pop it in the oven and relax!
How to Make Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread (such as challah or brioche)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Grease a baking dish and cube the loaf of bread into small pieces. Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and sprinkle blueberries over the top.
### Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon zest until well combined.
### Step 3: Assembling
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
### Step 4: Refrigerating
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Baking
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s puffed and golden brown.
Step 6: Finishing
Let cool slightly before serving, then dust with powdered sugar.
How to Serve Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
Serve this delightful casserole warm from the oven, dusted with powdered sugar. You can accompany it with warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Adding fresh fruit on the side can elevate the presentation while keeping things fresh and light.
How to Store Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
- Use stale bread for the best texture; it absorbs the custard more effectively.
- Experiment with different breads like sourdough or whole grain for unique flavor profiles.
- If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking.
- For a festive twist, add a teaspoon of nutmeg or some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or mint.
- Remember to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting; this helps it hold its shape.
Delicious Variations
- Mix in other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches for different flavor combinations.
- Swap half of the milk with cream for a richer texture.
- Try adding a layer of chocolate chips for those who enjoy a sweeter, dessert-like breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. -
What type of bread is best for this casserole?
Challah or brioche are ideal due to their richness, but you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread. -
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the bread with a gluten-free variety and ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free. -
How long can I keep the casserole in the fridge?
The baked casserole is best enjoyed within 3 days but can last up to 5 days in the fridge. -
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Conclusion
The Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a comforting way to start the day. With its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this simple recipe and experience the joy it brings to your brunch table. Happy cooking!
Print
Delicious Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy breakfast treat that combines the sweet tang of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon, perfect for any morning gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (such as challah or brioche)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish and cube the loaf of bread into small pieces. Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and sprinkle blueberries over the top.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Use stale bread for the best texture; experiment with different bread types for unique flavors. Consider adding nuts or spices for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
