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Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese and Lemon Zest

Close-up of baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole in a cast iron skillet, topped with blueberries and cream cheese dollops.
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Prepare this make-ahead breakfast casserole the night before for an easy, crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece. It features soft bread soaked in custard, layered with blueberries, cream cheese, and bright lemon zest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) French bread or Challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (for serving)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
  2. Scatter the cream cheese cubes, half of the blueberries, and half of the lemon zest over the bread layer. Top with the remaining bread cubes, blueberries, and lemon zest.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  4. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberry layers in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the plastic wrap.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (no liquid remains when poked).
  8. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

  • Using Challah bread yields a richer texture for this make ahead breakfast casserole.
  • If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the casserole.
  • This recipe is excellent for brunch recipes for a crowd.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/blueberry-french-toast-casserole/