Start your day with a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness with our Overnight Blueberry French Toast recipe. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, this make-ahead dish combines the richness of French bread with the tartness of fresh blueberries, all soaked in a creamy custard mixture. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and discover keto and low-carb versions of this delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Arrange the sliced French bread in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Layer with Blueberries:
- Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish.
- Soak Overnight:
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, ensuring that all the bread slices are soaked.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Bake the French toast uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the baked French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Dust with icing sugar if desired and serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bread Options: While French bread is traditionally used for this recipe, you can also use brioche, challah, or any other sturdy bread that can absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different flavor additions such as almond extract, orange zest, or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist on this classic dish.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the French toast the night before and refrigerate it overnight for easy breakfast prep. Simply pop it in the oven the next morning for a hassle-free meal.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications:
- Keto Version: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Substitute the French bread with almond flour bread or coconut flour bread to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Version: Opt for a low-carb sweetener and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. Reduce the amount of blueberries or use sugar-free blueberry syrup as a topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen blueberries can be used in this recipe. Simply thaw and drain them before adding them to the French toast.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Yes, you can use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
Q: Can I bake the French toast immediately instead of chilling it overnight? A: While chilling the French toast overnight allows the flavors to develop and the bread to fully absorb the custard, you can bake it immediately if you’re short on time. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.
Transform your mornings with the delectable flavors of our Overnight Blueberry French Toast! Whether enjoyed on a leisurely weekend morning or as a make-ahead breakfast for busy weekdays, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite bread and flavorings, or explore keto and low-carb adaptations for a healthier twist. Prepare a batch today and savor the irresistible combination of creamy custard, juicy blueberries, and fluffy bread.
