Baked Blueberry French Toast: A Heartwarming Morning Treat
There’s a certain magic in the air during the early mornings when the sun peeks through the kitchen window, casting a soft golden glow. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves outside, and the sound of birds chirping beckons us to rise and shine. There’s no better way to greet the day than with a slice of Baked Blueberry French Toast, an indulgent treat that brings not only flavor but warmth and nostalgia as well. Imagine the comforting aroma of blueberries bubbling away in a sweet custard, mingling with hints of cinnamon and vanilla — it’s a hug for your taste buds and a beautiful start to any day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Blueberry French Toast is more than just a delicious breakfast option; it’s an experience that rejuvenates the soul. Here are a few reasons why it deserves a spot on your family table:
- Family Connection: Nothing brings loved ones together quite like sharing a meal, and this dish makes for a delightful centerpiece.
- Quick Assembly: With just a bit of prep time, you can make a comforting dinner or a festive dish that feels special.
- Versatile Serving: Great for brunch gatherings or cozy weeknights, it suits any occasion.
- Indulgent Yet Simple: It feels like a rich treat, but it’s surprisingly straightforward to make, giving you a chance to impress without stress.
Ingredients with Notes
To create this heartwarming dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 12 ounces): Choose a day-old loaf for the best texture.
- 2 cups fresh blueberries: Frozen may be used, but fresh is ideal for vibrant color and flavor.
- 5 large eggs: Essential for the custard base; the more humane farm-fresh eggs, the better!
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk for creaminess, but you can substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste; feel free to use honey or maple syrup for a more rustic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of pure vanilla adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warming spice elevates the dish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
While this recipe takes about an hour total, the incredible aroma wafting through your home while it bakes is worth every minute.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Bread: Start by slicing the French bread into 1-inch cubes. You want to create a sturdy base for your baked dish.
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Distribute Blueberries: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread half of your bread cubes. Sprinkle half the blueberries over the top, then layer the remaining cubes followed by the rest of the blueberries.
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Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. You’ll notice the mixture becoming creamy and inviting as it comes together; this is when your kitchen starts smelling incredible!
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Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, ensuring every piece is soaking in that delicious custard. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb.
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Chill the Mixture: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you want an even deeper flavor (and midnight snacking potential!).
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Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
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Serve Warm: Allow to cool slightly before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy the warm, bubbly delight before you!
Tips and Variations
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Healthier Swaps: Want a healthy option? Swap the granulated sugar for stevia or coconut sugar and use Greek yogurt instead of milk.
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Seasonal Twists: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a festive touch or sprinkle in some chocolate chips for indulgence.
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Bread Variations: Challenge tradition! Use brioche or challah for an even richer flavor profile.
Serving Ideas
The best part about Baked Blueberry French Toast is how lovingly it can be paired. Serve it alongside crispy bacon or fresh whipped cream for a decadent breakfast. Accompany it with a cup of hot coffee or a chilled glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice to elevate your brunch experience. This dish feels perfect for Sunday family gatherings or as a comforting dinner option after a long week.
Storage and Reheating
If there are any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), you can store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to rest after absorbing the custard; this gives the flavors more time to meld and enhances the texture.
- Keep It Light: For fluffiness, don’t overmix the custard ingredients—just whisk until combined.
- Use Fresh Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a little flour before adding. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply use gluten-free bread for a tasty alternative.
- How can I make this dish ahead of time? Prepare the dish the night before and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- What can I serve with this French toast? Consider serving it with yogurt, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of fresh mint for added flavor.
Conclusion
As you gather around the table with your loved ones, sharing laughs and creating cherished memories, this Baked Blueberry French Toast will surely take center stage. When you take that first bite, you’ll find not just a delicious dish but an experience wrapped in warmth and love. So go ahead, try out this homemade recipe, and let the happiness it brings fill your home. Share it with friends and family — after all, the joy of cooking is best when shared!
Contents
Baked Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 1 loaf 1 loaf of French bread (about 12 ounces) Choose a day-old loaf for the best texture.
- 2 cups 2 cups fresh blueberries Frozen may be used, but fresh is ideal for vibrant color and flavor.
- 5 large 5 large eggs Essential for the custard base; the more humane farm-fresh eggs, the better!
- 2 cups 2 cups milk Whole milk for creaminess, but you can substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- ½ cup ½ cup granulated sugar Adjust to taste; feel free to use honey or maple syrup for a more rustic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract A touch of pure vanilla adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon This warming spice elevates the dish.
- 1 pinch Pinch of salt Balances sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by slicing the French bread into 1-inch cubes.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread half of your bread cubes. Sprinkle half the blueberries over the top, then layer the remaining cubes followed by the rest of the blueberries.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, ensuring every piece is soaking in that delicious custard. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you want an even deeper flavor.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest