Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of bread that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for absorbing the egg mixture.

Blueberries: Small, sweet, and tangy berries that add a burst of flavor and color to the casserole.

Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the casserole.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to soak the bread.

Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

To ensure the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the casserole, gently fold them into the bread cubes before pouring the egg mixture over. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom and ensures every bite has a burst of blueberry flavor.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to french bread.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and soft, making it a great alternative for a tender casserole.

• fresh or frozen blueberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries offer a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the casserole.

• fresh or frozen blueberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries add a juicy and sweet element, enhancing the overall flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg to create a vegan alternative.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg for a protein-rich, vegan substitute.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, tropical flavor and is a great dairy-free option.

• maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and can be used in equal amounts.

• maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly sweetener that works well as a substitute.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can enhance the sweetness and add a unique twist.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding depth to the flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt is less dense than table salt, so use a bit more to achieve the same level of seasoning.

• To store your Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into individual portions for easier reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen portion, remove it from the freezer and unwrap it. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the portion in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the casserole once it has been thawed. Always thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• If you have leftover blueberries, consider using them as a fresh topping when serving the reheated casserole. This adds a burst of flavor and a touch of freshness to your meal.

• For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some additional maple syrup over the reheated casserole before serving. This will enhance the sweetness and make it even more delightful.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat the casserole in the oven rather than the microwave. This will help maintain the original texture of the french bread and prevent it from becoming too soggy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of butter or oil, and place a portion of the casserole in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until heated through and crispy on the outside.

• For an air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the casserole is warmed and slightly crispy.

• Baking dish: A large, oven-safe dish to hold the bread cubes and blueberries while baking.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl to whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: A tool to thoroughly mix the egg mixture ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and maple syrup accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: To cut the loaf of French bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the bread.

• Refrigerator: To store the casserole overnight before baking.

• Oven: To bake the casserole at the required temperature.

• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Cooling rack: To let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the french bread into cubes and measure out the blueberries the night before.

Mix egg mixture in advance: Whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt the night before and store in the fridge.

Use frozen blueberries: Save time by using frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones; no need to wash or prep.

Grease the dish early: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to streamline the assembly process.

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven while you take the casserole out of the fridge to save time.