Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Lemon Zest (Make-Ahead Friendly)

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Is the Make-Ahead Breakfast You Didn’t Know You Needed

This blueberry French toast casserole is a fresh take on a classic breakfast bake. It’s packed with plump blueberries, infused with a hint of lemon, and built on soft cubes of buttery brioche. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping breakfast for the week, this make-ahead casserole hits all the right notes: easy, elegant, and deeply satisfying.

Unlike sweeter bread puddings, this version keeps things balanced — with natural sweetness from the fruit and custard, leaving room for maple syrup or powdered sugar on top.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 16 ounces brioche bread (or challah)

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• ⅔ cup light brown sugar

• 8 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred alternative)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

💡 Brioche is ideal for soaking up custard and adds richness without the need for cream.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole

1. Prep the Bread: Slice the brioche into 1-inch cubes. Place half into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter with half the blueberries. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries.

2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, rub lemon zest into the brown sugar using your fingertips. Whisk in the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

3. Assemble: Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture. Cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

4. Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Let the dish sit at room temperature while the oven warms up. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until puffed and golden.

5. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup. You can also add whipped cream, lemon curd, or a homemade blueberry compote for extra flair.

🥄 Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar

• Fancy: A dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd

• Berry-lovers’ dream: Top with extra blueberry sauce or fresh fruit

🍋 For a citrusy punch, don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens every bite.

🔁 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds or warm the full dish in a 300°F oven, covered with foil.

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Swap the Fruit: Try raspberries, blackberries, or diced strawberries.

• Add Cinnamon: Replace lemon zest with 1 tsp cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute with non-dairy milk and vegan butter if needed.

📌 Final Thoughts

This blueberry French toast casserole is everything you want in a brunch dish: simple, crowd-pleasing, and customizable. It comes together in just minutes, bakes up beautifully, and keeps well for days. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more crowd-pleasing seasonal recipes and comfort food classics reimagined for today’s kitchen.

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