Description
A delicious and comforting breakfast casserole made with brioche or challah, blueberries, and a rich custard.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche or challah, sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 (6 oz.) half pints blueberries (12 ounces total)
- 2 (8 oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened (16 ounces total)
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups half and half, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Blueberry sauce for serving (optional)
- Berry syrup like boysenberry (optional)
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Strawberry syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly toasted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sugar, then beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add half and half, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt; blend until fully combined.
- Transfer half of the toasted bread cubes to a greased 9×13 baking dish and scatter half of the blueberries on top. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently. Repeat with remaining bread cubes, blueberries, and custard.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow casserole to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm with blueberry sauce or syrup of choice.
Notes
Make ahead the night before for better flavor fusion. Customize with other fruits or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: blueberry, breakfast, casserole, French toast, brunch