why make this recipe
Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is a perfect dish for brunch or breakfast gatherings. It combines the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries in a delicious, comforting casserole. The best part is, you can prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. In the morning, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm and delightful meal to share with family or friends.
how to make Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 loaves French bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 lemon (zest + 2 tbsp juice)
Directions:
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in 1 cup of blueberries, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a little lemon zest.
- Layer half of the cubed French bread in a greased 10×14 inch dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Then add the remaining bread cubes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, the leftover lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread.
- Add the remaining blueberries on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and chill overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the casserole covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes until it is golden and set.
how to serve Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
Serve this delightful casserole warm, fresh from the oven. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup adds a wonderful addition. Pair it with bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.
how to store Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it, but it’s best to serve it fresh.
tips to make Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
- Use day-old bread for the best texture in your casserole. It soaks up the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
- Feel free to add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch if you like.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. If you love it sweeter, add more powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture.
variation
For a twist, you can substitute the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries. Another option is to add a layer of caramelized bananas for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole without cream cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a lighter option.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely! You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free bread instead of regular French bread, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free casserole.
Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in 1 cup of blueberries, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a little lemon zest.
- Layer half of the cubed French bread in a greased 10x14 inch dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Then add the remaining bread cubes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the leftover lemon zest and lemon juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread.
- Add the remaining blueberries on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and chill overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the casserole covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes until it is golden and set.