Blueberry Sourdough French Toast

There's something magical about waking up to a breakfast that's already prepared, waiting to be baked into golden perfection. This Blueberry Sourdough French Toast Bake transforms humble sourdough bread into a luscious brunch casserole that combines the tangy depth of sourdough with bursts of juicy blueberries and a cinnamon-kissed custard. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to impress without the stress, this make-ahead dish delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Save to Pinterest

The beauty of this French toast bake lies in its simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional French toast that requires standing at the stove flipping individual slices, this casserole-style approach allows you to feed everyone at once. The sourdough bread soaks up the rich custard mixture overnight, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. As it bakes, the top develops a beautiful golden crust with caramelized edges, while the interior remains soft and custardy. The blueberries burst and release their sweet juices throughout, creating pockets of fruity goodness in every serving.

Ingredients

• Bread & Fruit: 1 loaf (about 400 g) sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
• Custard Mixture: 6 large eggs; 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk; 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream; 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish

Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer bread and blueberries

Spread the cubed sourdough bread evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle blueberries over the bread.

Step 3: Make the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Soak the bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Gently press the bread down to soak.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 6: Preheat oven

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Add topping

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle evenly over the top of the soaked bread.

Step 8: Bake

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, use day-old sourdough bread that's slightly dried out—it will absorb the custard more effectively without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can cube it and let it sit out uncovered for a few hours or toast the cubes lightly in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. When pressing the bread into the custard, be gentle but thorough to ensure even soaking. If using frozen blueberries, there's no need to thaw them first; they'll release their juices perfectly during baking. For a more indulgent version, add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the custard mixture. The overnight rest is crucial—it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Substitute brioche or challah for a richer, more decadent texture, or use whole wheat sourdough for added nutrition. Swap blueberries for other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, or use a mixed berry combination. For autumn flavors, try diced apples or pears with a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and richness. Make it dairy-free by using almond milk and coconut cream, and replace the butter with coconut oil. For a protein boost, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. You can also make individual portions in ramekins—just reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Serviervorschläge

This Blueberry Sourdough French Toast Bake shines as the centerpiece of a leisurely brunch spread. Serve it warm with pure maple syrup drizzled generously over the top, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt adds a lovely contrast to the warm, custardy interior. For a complete brunch menu, pair it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, a fresh fruit salad, and strong coffee or mimosas. Leftover slices can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave—they make an excellent grab-and-go breakfast option. This dish is equally at home at holiday gatherings, baby showers, or casual family breakfasts, always earning rave reviews for its beautiful presentation and comforting flavors.

Save to Pinterest

Whether you're hosting a special occasion brunch or simply treating your family to a memorable breakfast, this Blueberry Sourdough French Toast Bake delivers comfort and elegance in equal measure. The combination of tangy sourdough, sweet-tart blueberries, and aromatic spices creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and special. With its make-ahead convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal, it's destined to become a regular in your breakfast rotation. So gather your ingredients, set aside a few minutes for assembly, and wake up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked blueberries—your perfect morning awaits.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen blueberries in this dish?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used directly without thawing, as they bake well and release flavor during cooking.

→ What type of bread works best for soaking?

Tangy sourdough bread is ideal for soaking custard without becoming too mushy, but brioche or challah also provide a richer texture.

→ How long should the bread soak before baking?

For best results, cover and refrigerate the soaked bread for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and custard to absorb well.

→ Can nuts be added to the topping?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the topping for added crunch and flavor before baking.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Serve warm with maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar, paired nicely with fresh fruit and strong coffee.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the dish contains no meat and uses dairy and eggs, making it appropriate for a vegetarian diet.