Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Overnight Blueberry French Toast: A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast Option

Treat yourself to a delightful breakfast with our Overnight Blueberry French Toast recipe! Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, this make-ahead dish is bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. With layers of fluffy French bread, juicy blueberries, and a hint of cinnamon, every bite is a heavenly combination of sweet and savory. Plus, preparing it the night before means you can enjoy a stress-free morning while still indulging in a delicious 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)

Pro Tip: Use day-old bread for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the sliced French bread in the bottom of the dish, making sure the pieces are tightly packed together.
2. Whisk the Custard Mixture:
   • 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.
3. Pour Over Bread:
   • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring that all pieces are coated. Use a spatula to press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
4. Add Blueberries:
   • Sprinkle the fresh or frozen blueberries evenly over the top of the bread mixture, pressing them down slightly into the custard.
5. Cover and Refrigerate:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture and the flavors to meld together.
6. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Once preheated, bake the French toast uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with icing sugar if desired and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or additional fresh berries.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the top of the French toast before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Swap Berries: Experiment with different berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a variation on this recipe.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread instead of French bread and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Replace the French bread with low-carb bread or almond flour bread to reduce the carb content.
• Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of granulated sugar.

Low-Carb Version:

• Skip the bread altogether and use sliced zucchini or cauliflower florets as a base for the custard mixture.
• Use unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream to lower the carb count.

In conclusion, our Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delightful and convenient breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends. With its make-ahead convenience and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, this delicious dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and start your day off right with a delicious and satisfying meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Simply thaw them before using and drain off any excess liquid.

Q: How long can I refrigerate the French toast before baking? A: You can refrigerate the assembled French toast for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover French toast slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.