Overnight Blueberry French Toast
There’s something almost magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked Overnight Blueberry French Toast. Imagine this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, sunlight pours through the kitchen window, and you’re greeted by the sweet aroma of blueberries and fresh bread baking in the oven. This dish has been a family favorite for years, often prepared the night before for those special brunches when you want to impress without the stress. I remember the first time I made this for my friends; they couldn’t believe how easy it was and how delicious it turned out. This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings everyone together around the breakfast table.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 25 mins
25 mins
60 mins
Medium
350 kcal
10 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Large Pot, Saucepan, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Baking Sheet
Why This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Is a Winner
Convenience at Its Best
One of the reasons I adore this Overnight Blueberry French Toast is its convenience. You prepare everything the night before, allowing you to wake up, preheat the oven, and have breakfast ready in no time. No scrambling to get things done while everyone’s waiting!
Rich and Creamy Texture
The combination of cream cheese and eggs creates a rich, custardy texture that soaks into the stale Challah bread. When baked, the edges turn beautifully golden, while the center remains soft and fluffy, making every bite heavenly. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday brunch, or simply a weekend treat, the Overnight Blueberry French Toast fits perfectly. You can even adapt it with different fruits or toppings based on what you have on hand.
Delightfully Fruity
The addition of blueberries bursts with flavor, adding a natural sweetness that complements the richness of the dish. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, depending on the season, making this recipe accessible year-round.
Easy Cleanup
With just a baking dish and a few bowls, the cleanup is a breeze. This allows you to enjoy the delicious results of your effort without the headache of a messy kitchen.
Shopping List for Overnight Blueberry French Toast
When it comes to creating the perfect Overnight Blueberry French Toast, the quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role. Each component harmonizes beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. The key players here are the Challah bread, which adds a lovely texture, and the blueberries, which provide a burst of flavor. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this unforgettable recipe.
- 12 slices thick, stale Challah bread (one loaf): This bread is essential for achieving that perfect custard-like texture.
- Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese (or mascarpone cheese): This adds a rich creaminess that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: These sweet little gems provide a delightful burst of flavor.
- 12 large eggs: The base of the custard that binds everything together.
- 2 cups milk: This adds creaminess and richness to the custard mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and sweetness.
- ⅓ cup maple syrup: For natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the blueberries.
- 1 cup granulated white sugar: This helps create a deliciously sweet custard.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the mixture and helps achieve the right consistency.
- 1 cup water: Used for making the blueberry sauce.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Extra blueberries for the sauce to drizzle on top.
- 1 tablespoon butter: To enrich the blueberry sauce.
Putting Together Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Making the Overnight Blueberry French Toast is as enjoyable as eating it. Each step is simple and straightforward, paving the way for a delicious breakfast that will impress everyone. Let’s get started!
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside. This is crucial to ensure that your Overnight Blueberry French Toast comes out easily after baking.
- Cut the Challah bread into 1-inch pieces. Place half of the pieces into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Cut the cream cheese (or mascarpone) into cubes. Distribute the cubes evenly over the bread in the pan.
- Top with blueberries, ensuring they’re spread out to get a blueberry in every bite.
- Add the remaining pieces of Challah bread on top, creating a lovely layered effect.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into your custard.
- Whisk in the milk, vanilla, and maple syrup until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and well-integrated.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, making sure all pieces are well-soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. I like to place a book or something heavy on the wrap to ensure the bread soaks up all that delicious custard.
- The next morning, remove the pan from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the chill to come off before baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps to set the custard without browning it too soon.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden color on the top and ensure the center is set. This is the perfect time to enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
- Boil for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Be attentive, as this step is crucial for a nice blueberry sauce.
- Stir in the additional blueberries and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing those blueberries to burst and flavor the sauce.
- Finally, stir in the butter until melted. Pour the warm sauce over individual servings of the Overnight Blueberry French Toast.
Things Worth Knowing
- Fresh ingredients can make a difference: Use the ripest blueberries for maximum flavor.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit before baking helps to fully absorb the custard.
- Temperature matters: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother custard.
- Don’t rush the bake: If the center isn’t set but the top is browning too much, cover it with foil until fully cooked.
Recipe Tips about Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Here are some tips to ensure your Overnight Blueberry French Toast turns out perfectly every time.
- Storage: Store leftover Overnight Blueberry French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.
- Variations: Feel free to add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions for Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Serving your Overnight Blueberry French Toast can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some delightful pairing suggestions:
- Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side that balances the richness of the French toast.
- Bacon or sausage: For a savory element, add some crispy bacon or sausage links.
- Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt on the side adds creaminess and a slight tang.
- Maple syrup: Serve with extra maple syrup for those who want a bit more sweetness.
- Seasonal flavors: In the fall, consider adding some sautéed apples or pear slices to the mix.
- Occasions: This dish is great for holidays, brunch gatherings, or as a special weekend treat.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Overnight Blueberry French Toast is truly a standout dish that brings comfort and joy to every breakfast table. Its combination of rich flavors and ease of preparation makes it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their morning routine. I encourage you to give it a go; I promise it will become a beloved recipe in your household as it has in mine. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces. Place half into the prepared baking dish.
- Cut the cream cheese (or mascarpone) into cubes (or scoop with a small cookie scoop) and place on top of the bread.
- Top with the blueberries and then the remaining bread cubes.
- Whisk the eggs in a large bowl.
- Whisk in the milk, vanilla and syrup until well combined. Pour over the bread cubes.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (I like to place a book on top of the plastic wrap to sink the bread into the liquid).
- The next morning remove the pan from the fridge 1/2 hour before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Remove the plastic wrap, then cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and color is golden.
- In a medium saucepan whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
- Add the water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir constantly and boil for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the blueberries and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the blueberries begin to pop.
- Stir in the butter until melted. Pour warm sauce over individual servings.
Notes
- Tip 1: I like to use whole milk- it just makes the dish a little bit more decadent all around.
- Tip 2: Mix in chopped fresh, frozen or canned peaches for a peach and blueberry overnight french toast!
