There’s something truly magical about a lazy weekend morning, especially when it revolves around a delicious dish like Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole. This recipe has become a family favorite, a delightful way to gather everyone around the breakfast table. I remember the first time I made this casserole; the aroma of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon filled my kitchen, pulling everyone out of their cozy rooms. The anticipation grew as I prepped the ingredients, knowing that a sweet treat was just on the horizon.

One sunny Saturday, I decided to surprise my family with this crowd-pleaser. As each layer of bread soaked up the rich custard mixture, I could already imagine the smiles on their faces when they took that first bite. The combination of flavors is nothing short of divine, with the tangy lemon perfectly balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup. What I love most about this dish is that you can prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. On the day of, it bakes to golden perfection, puffed and ready to be served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of syrup.

This Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a simple family breakfast. It brings people together, igniting conversations and creating lasting memories. Honestly, there’s no better way to start the day than with a slice of this decadent casserole. So, grab your ingredients and let’s make this delightful dish that’s sure to impress!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
8 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet, Oven

Why You Need This Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole

It’s a Make-Ahead Wonder

One of the standout features of the Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is the ease of preparation. You can whip it up the night before, letting it rest in the fridge overnight. This not only saves you valuable time in the morning, but it also allows the ingredients to meld and develop deeper flavors, making every bite a delightful explosion of taste.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This casserole shines during holidays and special occasions, from Easter brunch to Christmas morning. It’s a showstopper that looks impressive but requires minimal effort on your part. Your guests will rave about the beautiful presentation, and you can enjoy their compliments without stressing in the kitchen!

Flavors that Harmonize

The combination of blueberries and lemon is simply irresistible. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs beautifully with the zesty brightness of the lemon zest, creating a refreshing balance that elevates this dish. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Customizable for Everyone

This recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your needs. Add other fruits like strawberries or peaches, or even sprinkle in some nuts for added texture. You can also modify the level of sweetness based on your preference, making it a versatile choice for any palate.

A Comfort Food Classic

There’s something about a baked French toast casserole that feels like a warm hug. It’s comforting, filling, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re diving into it during a cozy family brunch or enjoying it as a late-night snack, this casserole embodies the essence of home-cooked love.

Easy Cleanup

We all know that cooking can sometimes lead to a messy kitchen. However, this Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is baked in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze. Less time scrubbing pans means more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones!

Recipe Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole

Every ingredient in this Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The key players—blueberries, eggs, milk, and bread—work together to form a rich and creamy base, while the lemon adds a refreshing touch. Together, they make for a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Dave’s Killer Blues Bread – 1 lb: This hearty bread serves as the backbone of the casserole, soaking up the delicious custard while maintaining a robust texture.
Eggs – 6: These provide richness and help bind the ingredients together, creating a fluffy texture.
Milk – 2 cups: Essential for creating the creamy custard, providing moisture and enhancing the overall flavor.

Coconut milk – 1 cup: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor that complements the blueberries.
Sugar – 1/3 cup: Sweetens the dish and balances the tartness of the lemon and blueberries.
Maple syrup – 1/2 cup (plus more for serving): This natural sweetener enhances the flavors and adds a delightful touch when served.

Ground cinnamon – 1 tablespoon: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making every bite comforting.
Kosher salt – 1/2 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Lemon zest – 1 lemon: Infuses the dish with fresh citrus notes that brighten up the entire casserole.

Recipe Directions for Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole

Making the Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s take it step-by-step to ensure it turns out perfectly!

One day ahead, place the bread slices out to dry. This crucial step allows the bread to become less moist, making it easier to soak up the custard mixture later. Once dried, cut each slice into six equal pieces and set aside.
Preparation time! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating, lightly butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and adds a lovely flavor.

In a large bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until well combined. This is where the magic begins, as the eggs will give the dish its rich texture.
Add both milk and coconut milk to the bowl. The combination of these two will create a creamy custard that’s irresistible.
To sweeten the mix, add the sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and the zest of one lemon. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the sugar fully dissolves.

Now, add the dried bread pieces to the custard mixture. Gently stir until every piece is well coated. You want the bread to soak up all that delicious liquid!
Next, fold in the blueberries. This is where you can admire the vibrant color they bring to the dish. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures a uniform bake, with every piece coming out perfectly.

Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden, puffed, and the center is set. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve immediately with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy the warm smiles around the table!

Things Worth Knowing

Use stale bread: Day-old or stale bread works best for this casserole as it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.

Alternative fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blackberries for a unique twist on flavors.
Texture variety: For added crunch, consider topping the casserole with a mix of nuts or a streusel topping before baking.
Serving suggestion: Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated brunch experience.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

To make the most out of your Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole, here are some pro tips and tweaks that can elevate your dish:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cut it into portions, wrap in plastic, and store in an airtight container for up to three months.

Pairing: Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast experience.
Flavor boost: Consider adding a splash of orange juice to the custard mixture for an extra layer of citrus flavor.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation that impresses guests.

Serving Ideas for Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole

When it comes to serving your Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Brunch gatherings: This dish is perfect for brunch. Pair it with a refreshing fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait for a well-rounded meal.
Holiday feasts: Impress your guests during holiday meals. Serve with a selection of syrups such as chocolate or caramel for a luxurious experience.

Picnic-friendly: Slice into portions and pack for a delightful picnic treat. Pair it with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing afternoon.
Casual family meals: It’s a wonderful way to elevate a casual family dinner, making it feel special without much effort.
Storage tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them for a quick breakfast on the go!

Seasonal pairings: In the summer, serve with fresh peaches or strawberries to enjoy seasonal fruits.

FAQ

Absolutely! In fact, making the Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole the night before is highly recommended. It allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a richer flavor and texture. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and enjoy a delicious breakfast without the morning rush.

Serving your Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole can be a delightful experience. I love to pair it with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also add a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier meal. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup on top adds an extra touch of sweetness that everyone will enjoy!

Yes, you can definitely use frozen blueberries in the Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole. While fresh blueberries are fantastic, frozen ones work just as well. Just be sure to add them directly from the freezer to prevent them from becoming mushy. They will thaw and cook perfectly in the casserole, providing that burst of flavor we all love.

Storing leftovers of your Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is easy. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze it for up to three months by cutting it into portions and wrapping them tightly.

Conclusion

The Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is truly a breakfast delight that combines ease and flavor in each bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. I encourage you to try this recipe; it might just become your new favorite breakfast dish! With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s a delightful way to start your day.

Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole

The ultimate comfort food for brunch, Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole combines sweet blueberries with zesty lemon in a rich custard. It's an easy, make-ahead dish that transforms simple bread into a warm, inviting breakfast. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family morning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Chef's Knife
Baking Sheet
Oven

Ingredients

1 lb Dave’s Killer Blues Bread
6 Eggs
2 cup Milk
1 cup Coconut milk
1/3 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Maple syrup (plus more for serving)
1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

Instructions

One day ahead, place the bread slices out to dry, then cut each slice into six equal pieces. Set aside.
Preparation: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs well combined. Add both milks, sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest. Add the bread pieces and mix to coat. Stir in the blueberries.

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Bake top is golden, puffed and center is set, about 45 to 50 minutes.
Serve immediately with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Notes

Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Tip 2: This casserole freezes well. Cut it into portions, wrap in plastic, and store in an airtight container for up to three months.

Tip 3: Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast experience.
Tip 4: Consider adding a splash of orange juice to the custard mixture for an extra layer of citrus flavor.
Tip 5: Garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation that impresses guests.