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To make Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 loaf of challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 cups fresh blueberries - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1/2 cup sugar - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - Butter (for greasing the baking dish) You can swap ingredients if needed: - Use brioche bread instead of challah for a different texture. - Almond milk can replace whole milk for a dairy-free option. - If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain yogurt works fine. - For a lower-sugar option, use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. - You can skip the eggs and use flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan version. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh blueberries add vibrant flavor and color. The zest from a real lemon brings bright notes to the dish. Old bread might not absorb the custard well. Always choose the best ingredients you can find. They make your French toast taste amazing and enjoyable! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together four eggs, two cups of whole milk, one cup of Greek yogurt, and half a cup of sugar. Add the zest from one lemon and the juice from a fresh lemon. Mix in one teaspoon of vanilla extract, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Next, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Now, layer half of the challah bread cubes in the dish. Sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries over the bread. Pour half of your egg mixture over these layers. Repeat with the remaining bread, blueberries, and egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently press down the bread. This helps it soak up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it soak overnight or for at least four hours. This step is key for a rich flavor and soft texture. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from your dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You want the top to turn golden brown and the custard to set. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to eat. After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to cut. To serve, cut the casserole into squares. For a beautiful presentation, plate each square and top it with fresh blueberries. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness. This dish not only tastes great but also looks stunning on your table. Enjoy this delightful treat with family or friends! To get the best texture in your Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast, use fresh challah bread. Challah has a soft, airy texture that soaks up the egg mixture well. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. This size helps with even soaking. Press the bread gently with a spatula after layering. This step ensures the custard mixture absorbs fully. A well-soaked bread gives you a rich and creamy bite. To boost the flavor, always use fresh blueberries. They burst with juice when baked. Add more lemon zest for a bright taste. A bit of vanilla extract complements the sweet notes. For a warm spice, increase the cinnamon slightly. If you want extra sweetness, drizzle maple syrup on top when serving. These small changes create a flavor punch that elevates your dish. Avoid using stale bread. It won’t soak up the custard right. Don’t skip the refrigeration step. This step is key for soft, moist bread. Make sure to cover the dish well. If not, the bread may dry out. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture. Aim for a golden top with a soft center for the best results. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale challah bread. It absorbs the custard mixture better without getting too soggy. Add More Flavor: Consider adding a splash of almond extract to the custard mixture for an additional layer of flavor that pairs well with lemon and blueberries. Customize with Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile that complements the lemon and blueberry beautifully. Serve with Toppings: Enhance your dish by serving it with whipped cream, a dollop of yogurt, or a berry compote for added sweetness and texture. {{image_2}} You can switch blueberries for other berries. Raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries work well. Each berry adds its unique taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. For example, use strawberries for a sweeter flavor. Raspberries will give a nice tartness. You can even use a mix of all three for a berry explosion! Want to kick it up a notch? Add more lemon zest or juice. This will enhance the lemon flavor. You can also add orange zest for a citrus twist. A bit of lime juice can add a fresh taste too. Try a splash of almond extract for a nutty note. These zesty flavors will brighten your dish! Challah is great, but you can try other breads too. Brioche gives a rich, buttery taste. Use whole grain bread for a healthier option. Sourdough adds a tangy touch. Gluten-free bread works if you need that option. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard. Each type of bread will change the dish's texture and flavor. After you enjoy your Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast, store any leftovers. Place them in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the dish stays fresh and tasty. To reheat your French toast, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pieces on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm throughout. You can also use a microwave. Heat a single portion on high for 30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough, and add more time if needed. You can freeze the casserole if you want to save it for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. To enjoy it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Freezing helps keep the flavors intact. Yes, you can. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. Greek yogurt can be replaced with a dairy-free yogurt. This way, you keep the creaminess while making it dairy-free. You can leave it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This gives the bread time to soak up the egg mixture. If you need to bake it sooner, at least four hours of soaking works too. This dish pairs well with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. For a tangy twist, try serving it with lemon curd. This blog post highlighted key aspects of making Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast. We covered essential ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips to enhance your dish. Fresh ingredients matter for taste, while baking instructions ensure perfect results. You learned how to customize flavors and store leftovers safely. In closing, enjoy your cooking journey. Simple tweaks can make this recipe your own. Happy baking!

Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast

A delicious and easy overnight French toast casserole with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 zest of lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • to taste as needed butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
  • Layer half of the challah bread cubes in the dish, followed by half of the blueberries.
  • Pour half of the egg mixture over the layered bread and blueberries. Repeat with the remaining challah, blueberries, and egg mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  • Gently press down the bread with a spatula to ensure it absorbs the custard mixture.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  • Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cut into squares and serve warm, garnished with fresh blueberries, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Keyword blueberry, French toast, lemon, overnight