Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Overnight Blueberry French Toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for a crowd or a special weekend treat. This dish combines the rich, custardy goodness of classic French toast with the burst of fresh blueberries and a hint of sweetness. The magic happens overnight as the bread soaks up a luscious egg mixture, making it soft and flavorful. In the morning, all you need to do is bake it to golden perfection. The result is a delightful breakfast casserole that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, ensuring your morning is as relaxed as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Blueberry Syrup:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Layer: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish. Scatter the blueberries evenly over the bread, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
2. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Assemble and Refrigerate: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down slightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Dot the top with pieces of butter. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
5. Prepare the Blueberry Syrup: While the French toast bakes, make the blueberry syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. For a thicker syrup, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and stir it into the syrup during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Serve: Once the French toast is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the warm blueberry syrup over the top and enjoy!

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to make your mornings brighter and more delicious, with minimal effort required on the day of serving.