“Blueberry French Toast Bake”

Man, I love blueberries, don’t you? Blueberries are a favorite fruit of both kids and adults. Plus they are filled with antioxidants and vitamins which means a healthy addition to my Blueberry French Toast Bake. Yes, carbs do exist here but what the heck. Weekends are for family and friends and my Blueberry French Toast Bake definitely fits the bill. Another make ahead breakfast idea to whip up the before baking. Bring baking dish to room temperature before baking. Breakfast is served.

Blueberry French Toast Bake

This one dish casserole is not super sweet and is loved by kids. So no turned up noses at the breakfast table. Yes I said breakfast table because when they smell this casserole baking listen to the patter of feet and a Yahoo!. I can think of no better smell than breakfast cooking in the morning. Doesn’t matter what it is especially on the weekends, bacon, eggs, whatever. Don’t you agree? Can I get an amen?

Blueberry French Toast Bake

My Blueberry French Toast Bake is the perfect make ahead breakfast for your entire family. Filled with fresh juicy blueberries, cream cheese, and Challah bread. I love using Challah to make french toast in any form. Try using Challah bread in a regular egg-dipped french toast if you’ve never experienced this rich egg flavored bread. This breakfast casserole is not overly sweet and can be served with maple syrup. Increase the blueberry sauce portion of this recipe if you prefer not to serve with syrup. Either way I promise this casserole will be a hit with even the most finicky eater. Definitely a hit with kids because they usually love blueberries.

Blueberry French Toast Bake

With our busy schedules finding time to spend together as a family. I feel you as I struggle with the same issues. Therefore, when you find the time mix up this casserole before going to bed and the next morning pop this baby in the oven. Serve with your breakfast meat like bacon, sausage or ham if desired. The perfect complement to this casserole. Also if you have any leftovers the following day, warm up gently in a cold oven starting at 300 degrees until warmed through. Grab the family and share a wonderful breakfast morning this weekend with Blueberry French Toast Bake.

Blueberry French Toast Bake

Blueberry French Toast Bake

12 slices stale Challah bread, cut into 3/4-inch to 1-inch slices

2 – 8 oz. packages Neuchâtel cream cheese, softened

1 ¼ cup fresh blueberries

12 large eggs

2 cups milk

1 t. vanilla extract

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

3/4  cup granulated sugar

1 ½ T. cornstarch

1 cup water

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 T. salted butter

Pinch of Kosher salt

Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter non-stick cooking spray.

Cut bread into 1-inch pieces and place half of the bread in baking dish.

Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes and place on top of bread. Top with blueberries, covering with remaining bread.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and syrup until well combined. Pour egg mixture over bread in baking dish. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap and place something heavy on top like a book or canned goods. Refrigerate overnight. Bring casserole to room temperature for 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Remove plastic wrap and cover dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes and remove foil. Bake an additional 25 to 35 minutes or until the center is set and golden brown.

Prepare sauce: While casserole is baking, in a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Add in water and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Continue to stir and boil for 3 minutes. Stir in blueberries reducing heat to low.

Simmer blueberry mixture for 10 minutes until blueberries pop open. Remove sauce from heat and stir in salt and butter until melted. Pour warm sauce over Blueberry French Toast Bake.. Enjoy!