Description
This Pioneer Woman Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is a delightful, make-ahead breakfast dish combining tangy lemon, fresh blueberries, and custard-soaked bread baked to golden perfection. Perfect for serving a crowd, this overnight casserole simplifies morning prep while offering a flavorful, comforting brunch option.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 10-12 slices)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (or dairy alternative)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy alternative)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes, then place them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base for the casserole.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently stirring to ensure all bread pieces are coated evenly. Then, fold in the fresh blueberries to distribute them throughout the casserole.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully and flavors to meld.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Rest and serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help the custard soak in better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute milk and heavy cream with dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream to make it lactose-free.
- For extra texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts or streusel topping prior to baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, making it ideal for holiday brunches or busy mornings.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.