Blueberry Strata is a delightful baked breakfast or brunch dish made with layers of bread, fresh blueberries, and a rich custard. It’s similar to a bread pudding but designed for the morning, making it a great way to start the day. This dish can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for a relaxed, make-ahead breakfast. The sweet, juicy blueberries combined with the custard-soaked bread create a deliciously moist and flavorful strata that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 8 cups cubed bread (French bread, challah, or brioche)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the bread and blueberries:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries on top.
- Make the custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest (if using). Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Pour the custard over the bread:
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, making sure to cover all the bread cubes evenly. Press down gently on the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard.
- Let it sit:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Preheat the oven and bake:
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and drizzle the melted butter over the top of the strata.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the strata is puffed up and golden brown on top. The center should be set and not jiggly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup on the side.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Blueberry Strata for a sweet, fruity breakfast or brunch that’s perfect for weekends or special gatherings!
