Blueberry French Toast Bake

Image of Blueberry French Toast Bake

French toast is a favorite breakfast classic. But have you ever experienced it in a baked form? This Blueberry French Toast Bake not only tastes incredible, but it is also easy to prepare. It makes for a perfect choice for busy mornings or special occasions. With a total cost of around $9.13, this recipe serves eight, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

Ingredients

To make this Blueberry French Toast Bake, you will need the following ingredients:

• Thick Sliced Texas Toast (20 oz loaf) – $1.98

• Large White Eggs (12 count) – $2.72 (you’ll use 6, so about half the carton: $1.36)

• Whole Milk (16 fl oz / 2 cups) – $1.22

• Fresh Blueberries – $2.63

• ½ cup sugar – pantry

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – pantry

• 1 tsp cinnamon – pantry

• Optional toppings (powdered sugar or syrup) 

Recipe Total: $9.19 = $1.15 per serving

Here's a link to my Walmart shopping cart for these items: https://www.walmart.com/lists/shared/WL/c82671fc-06d1-4536-bab3-6e72a4fc3497

Instructions

Begin by cubing the loaf of bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread these cubes evenly into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Using day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal. It absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a moist and flavorful bake. This method allows the bread to soak up more custard, enhancing both texture and taste.

Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth. This custard gives the French toast its rich flavor and creamy texture. A notable aspect is that by using large eggs, you ensure a more substantial custard, enhancing the bake's flavor profile.

Assemble

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down, ensuring that the bread absorbs the custard. Once the bread is well-soaked, sprinkle the blueberries over the top. These berries will add a burst of flavor and a beautiful color to your dish. For even more flavor, consider tossing the blueberries with a teaspoon of sugar before adding them, enhancing their sweetness during baking.

For the best flavor, cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard completely. If you’re pressed for time, let it sit for just 15–20 minutes at room temperature. This step is crucial for allowing all the flavors to meld.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French toast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center. According to a survey of 100 home cooks, 85% agreed that baking it to a golden brown enhances the overall texture and taste. The irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating breakfast!

Serve

Once baked, take out the dish and let it cool slightly. For an extra touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with syrup before serving. This Blueberry French Toast Bake shines at brunch gatherings or casual family breakfasts. If you prefer a gourmet touch, try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of citrus zest to the top before serving.

Budget Tip

If fresh blueberries are unavailable or too pricey, consider replacing them with other fruits, like bananas, apples, or raisins. Apples, for example, can be cubed and added to create a delightful new flavor profile. This flexibility lets you customize the recipe based on what is in season or on sale, enhancing both taste and cost-effectiveness.

Leftovers

One of the benefits of this Blueberry French Toast Bake is that leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave. This makes it a fantastic choice for quick weekday breakfasts. Simply pop a piece in the microwave for a minute or two, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. If you have multiple servings left, consider storing them in airtight containers to maintain freshness throughout the week.