Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Warm, fruity, soft bites of breakfast perfection is what you get when you make this Overnight Blueberry French Toast! It’s the ideal solution for busy mornings or special occasions. Just imagine waking up to a delicious breakfast that’s ready to bake. This dish is perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a simple family breakfast. It stands out with its creamy texture and the burst of blueberries in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply assemble the ingredients the night before, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning.
• Deliciously Versatile: You can easily swap out blueberries for other fruits like strawberries or raspberries, making it customizable to your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for serving a group, this recipe yields 12 slices, making it great for gatherings or family breakfasts.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and blueberries creates a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and let it soak overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools on hand will make your preparation smoother and more efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and browning of your french toast.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps streamline your prep work by keeping ingredients organized.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for thoroughly mixing eggs and incorporating air, leading to fluffier results.

Ingredients

Warm, fruity, soft bites of breakfast perfection is what you get when you make this overnight blueberry french toast! I love going to bed knowing that when I wake up I will have breakfast ready to pop in the oven and enjoy! What a great way to start the day!

For the French Toast Base

• 12 slices day old Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or 1 loaf of French bread)
• 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup blueberries, fresh or canned

For the Custard Mixture

• 2 cups milk
• 12 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar

For the Topping

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup blueberries, fresh or canned
• 1 tablespoon salted butter

How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by greasing your baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Spread half of the cubed Texas toast evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries

Next, scatter half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread. Follow this with half of the blueberries. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and granulated sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and fruit.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake in the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Bake Your French Toast

Remove from the refrigerator while preheating. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Prepare Topping

While it’s baking, mix cornstarch and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Add remaining blueberries and cook briefly until they burst slightly.

Step 8: Serve

Once baked, drizzle blueberry topping over individual servings of french toast for added sweetness. Enjoy warm!

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is sure to become a beloved breakfast staple in your home!

How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Serving Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delightful way to start your day. With its rich flavor and comforting texture, it pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments to elevate your breakfast experience.

Top It with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and airy touch that balances the sweetness of the blueberries.

Drizzle with Maple Syrup

• A classic choice! Pour warm maple syrup over the toast for added sweetness that complements the fruity flavors beautifully.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Enhance your dish by adding slices of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or more blueberries to brighten up the plate.

Serve with Yogurt

• A side of creamy yogurt adds richness and tang, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of the French toast.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

• For a simple yet elegant presentation, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pair with Nut Butter

• A scoop of almond or peanut butter on the side offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the toast’s sweetness.

How to Perfect Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Making Overnight Blueberry French Toast can be simple if you follow these tips for perfection.

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a soft and flavorful texture.
• Add Flavorful Spices: Consider incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into the egg mixture for an aromatic kick.
• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Alternate layers of bread, blueberries, and cream cheese for even distribution of flavors throughout.
• Allow to Soak: Letting the assembled dish sit overnight ensures each bite is bursting with flavor as it soaks in all those delicious ingredients.
• Bake at the Right Temperature: Baking at 350°F allows for even cooking without burning, giving you that perfect golden brown finish.
• Let It Rest After Baking: Allowing it to cool slightly before serving helps set the dish, making it easier to slice and serve.

Best Side Dishes for Overnight Blueberry French Toast

To round out your breakfast table, consider these delightful side dishes that complement Overnight Blueberry French Toast perfectly.

1. Crispy Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns add a satisfying crunch and savory contrast to sweet French toast.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the toast.
3. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach offers a healthy green option that pairs well with breakfast dishes.
4. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs are always a hit and provide extra protein to your meal.
5. Turkey Turkey turkey bacon Strips: Crispy turkey turkey turkey bacon adds a smoky flavor without overwhelming sweetness, creating a well-rounded plate.
6. Cottage Cheese Bowl: Creamy cottage cheese topped with berries makes for a nutritious side that complements the main dish nicely.
7. Chia Seed Pudding: For something unique, serve chia pudding made with almond milk as a refreshing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Overnight Blueberry French Toast, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold Ingredient Choices: Using fresh bread is essential. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Opt for day-old Texas toast or French bread.
• Bold Overmixing Eggs: Beating the eggs too much can introduce too much air. Mix just until combined for a creamy, custardy texture.
• Bold Ignoring Soaking Time: Skipping the overnight soak can lead to dry toast. Allow at least 8 hours in the fridge for optimal flavor and moisture.
• Bold Wrong Baking Temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can cause uneven cooking. Stick to 350°F (175°C) for even baking and golden edges.
• Bold Not Using Butter: Forgetting to grease your baking dish can lead to sticking. Always use butter or cooking spray for easy serving.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Overnight Blueberry French Toast in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Overnight Blueberry French Toast

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• This will keep them fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating Overnight Blueberry French Toast

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: In a non-stick skillet, add a little butter over medium heat. Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Overnight Blueberry French Toast?

Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delicious breakfast dish made by soaking bread cubes in an egg and milk mixture overnight, then baking it with blueberries added for sweetness.

How long does it take to prepare Overnight Blueberry French Toast?

Preparation takes around 10 minutes, but remember that soaking overnight is crucial for the best results.

Can I customize the fruit in my Overnight Blueberry French Toast?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can I make Overnight Blueberry French Toast dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with almond milk or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delightful way to kickstart your morning. With its rich flavors and soft texture, this recipe is not only delicious but also versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings. Give it a try, and enjoy waking up to breakfast ready to serve!