What kind of bread to use
White bread is normally used to make baked French toast. Others have used Texas toast, which is thicker than the normal white bread. I was planning to use Texas toast but my youngest son, whom I asked to buy it for me, could not find any. He bought white sourdough bread instead.
How to make baked french toast
Classic French toast is made of slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk and then fried. This baked blueberry French toast differs from the classic version because it is made of layers of cubed bread, cream cheese, blueberries and then more cubed bread. The bread is soaked overnight in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon and maple syrup. The soaked pieces of bread are then baked the next morning for 45 minutes. You can serve this delicious fruity dish on the weekend for breakfast or even for brunch. You can serve it with more fresh berries or other fruit. The French toast came out nice and toasty at the top when it came out of the oven. The filling was sweet and had a pleasant taste to it. I served this decadent treat with a drizzle of maple syrup. It was delicious!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Baked Blueberry French Toast
To achieve the best texture, use day-old bread. Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked. If you only have fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it before cubing. When mixing the egg and milk mixture, whisk thoroughly to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated. This will help the custard soak evenly into the bread. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture. Lastly, keep an eye on the toast while baking. If the top begins to brown too quickly, gently cover it with aluminum foil.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve this baked blueberry French toast with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Fresh mint leaves can also add a nice color contrast and a refreshing taste. If you want to switch things up, try adding different fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or even sliced peaches. For a nutty twist, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast. It also makes a delightful dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread works best for baked blueberry French toast?
Day-old white bread is ideal because it absorbs the egg mixture without getting too soggy. While I used white sourdough, Texas toast is also a great option if you can find it.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake them in the oven to get that nice texture back.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything the night before and let it soak in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a warm, fresh breakfast.
What can I serve with baked blueberry French toast?
This dish pairs perfectly with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. You might also consider serving it alongside some crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced meal.
What should I do if my French toast is too soggy?
If your baked French toast turns out soggy, it might be due to using fresh bread or not letting it soak long enough. Next time, try using day-old bread and make sure to give it a good soak in the egg mixture overnight.
Baked Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices white bread ( I used white sourdough bread )
- 6 oz cream cheese , cut into small cubes
- 1 cup blueberries
- 6 eggs , lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup maple syrup , plus more for serving
Instructions
- Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square pan. Set aside.
- Remove the crusts of the slices of bread and then cut into 1-inch cubes. Cover the bottom of the prepared pan with half of the cubed bread. Dot the cream cheese on top. Cover with the blueberries and then top with the remaining cubed bread.
- In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon and maple syrup. Pour over the cubed bread. Cover with plastic wrap and then refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, remove the plastic wrap and then bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 40-45 minutes or until set and golden.
- Serve immediately with extra maple syrup.
Nutrition
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