Overnight Blueberry French Toast Recipe

French bread: Provides the base for the dish, soaking up the custard mixture and becoming soft and flavorful.

Blueberries: Adds a burst of fresh, fruity flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and helps create the custard mixture that soaks into the bread.

Milk: Combines with the eggs and cream to form the custard base.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard mixture.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture and balances the tartness of the blueberries.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the custard with a warm, sweet aroma.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice and warmth to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

For an extra burst of flavor, try using a mix of fresh and frozen blueberries. The fresh ones will provide a juicy pop, while the frozen ones will release their juices as they thaw, creating a delicious syrupy layer. Additionally, to ensure even soaking of the bread cubes, gently press down on the mixture after pouring the egg mixture over it. This helps the bread absorb the liquid more uniformly, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful French toast.

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

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a soft texture, making it a good alternative.

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

• fresh or frozen blueberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries add a different but equally delicious berry flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg; this is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a dairy-free option with a mild flavor.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and works well as a dairy-free substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is rich and thick, making it a good dairy-free alternative.

• heavy cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides natural sweetness and a different flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.

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

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract provides a unique and sweet flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon and adds additional warm spices.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar flavor with a slightly different mineral content.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture but provides the same salty flavor.

• To store your overnight blueberry french toast, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, first ensure the french toast has cooled completely. Cut it into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the french toast overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the texture may be slightly different.

• If you prefer a crispier texture after freezing, consider reheating the french toast in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until the edges are golden and crispy.

• For added freshness, sprinkle a few extra blueberries on top before reheating. This will enhance the flavor and presentation of your overnight blueberry french toast.

• If you have leftover blueberries, consider making a quick blueberry syrup by simmering them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until thickened. Drizzle over the reheated french toast for an extra burst of flavor.

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

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• For an air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• Baking dish: A 9x13 inch dish to hold the bread and custard mixture.

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

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

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: To thoroughly mix the custard ingredients.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the milk, cream, and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Refrigerator: To store the dish overnight and allow the bread to soak up the custard.

• Oven: To bake the French toast at 350°F (175°C).

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

• Serving spatula: To serve the warm French toast.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the bread and measure out the blueberries the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a large mixing bowl: Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together in one go to streamline the process.

Pre-grease the dish: Grease the baking dish ahead of time so you can quickly assemble the French toast.

Room temperature rest: While the oven preheats, let the dish sit at room temperature to ensure even baking.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick breakfast later.