Blueberry French Toast Bake (Printable)

Brioche and blueberries blend with creamy custard for a delicious baked breakfast sure to impress.

# Components:

→ Bread & Fruit

01 - 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (approximately 1.1 lbs)
02 - 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

→ Custard Mixture

03 - 6 large eggs
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Topping

11 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

# Directions:

01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Scatter half the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with half the blueberries, then repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Press down gently to ensure all bread is submerged and coated.
05 - Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and bread to absorb custard.
06 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub with fingertips until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly pieces. Refrigerate topping until needed.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the chilled topping evenly over the surface.
08 - Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the custard is set. If the top is browning too rapidly, tent loosely with foil during the latter part of baking.
09 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving warm. Optional garnishes include maple syrup drizzle or powdered sugar dusting.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses easy-to-find ingredients often already in your pantry and fridge
  • Make-ahead overnight means no morning rush
  • Feeds a group perfect for family gatherings or holiday brunch
  • Creamy custard texture with pockets of juicy berry
  • Freezes well for meal prepping
02 -
  • High in protein and filling enough to count as breakfast or dessert any day
  • A perfect dish to use up leftover bread and berries
  • Vegetarian and easily adaptable for dairy-free diets
03 -
  • Cut the bread into uniform cubes for even soaking
  • Let the assembled bake sit at room temperature while the oven preheats for the best rise
  • If you want extra-crispy topping broil the pan for one or two minutes at the end but watch closely

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