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Easy Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole

overnight lemon blueberry french toast casserole - featured image
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A bright and custardy French toast casserole featuring fresh lemon zest and blueberries, perfect for an easy overnight prep and a delicious brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups thick-cut bread cubes (day-old brioche or challah recommended)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup)
  • Zest and juice of 2 medium lemons
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, homemade lemon curd

Instructions

  1. Cut 8 cups of thick bread slices into roughly 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, lightly toast for 5 minutes at 350°F to help absorb custard without becoming mushy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest and juice, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined and slightly frothy (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Place bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing gently to soak all pieces. Let sit 10 minutes at room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  4. The next morning, remove casserole from fridge and gently fold in 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, being careful not to break them.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is set but slightly jiggly.
  6. Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving to firm up and make cutting easier.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread or lightly toast fresh bread to prevent mushiness. Fresh lemon zest and juice are essential for bright flavor. Thaw and drain frozen blueberries before use to avoid sogginess. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Can substitute dairy and gluten ingredients for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, lemon blueberry, overnight breakfast, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, custardy French toast

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/easy-overnight-lemon-blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/