Make-Ahead Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
This delightful Make-Ahead Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a perfect option for your next brunch gathering. With a healthier spin on the classic recipe, this casserole is packed with fresh flavors, creamy cream cheese, and bursts of juicy blueberries. Make it the night before and pop it in the freezer for a stress-free meal the next day. Serve warm with a homemade blueberry sauce for a delicious, satisfying breakfast that everyone will love. It's an easy way to impress your guests while keeping your meal prep efficient. Enjoy the combination of sweet and wholesome ingredients that make this dish a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
10 (slices, cut into quarters)
Cream cheese
4 (ounces, cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Frozen blueberries
2 (cups, divided)
Eggs
2 (large)
Egg substitute
1 (cup (such as Egg Beaters))
Skim milk
1 (cup)
Vanilla extract
1/2 (teaspoon)
Maple syrup
1/4 (cup)
Cinnamon
1 (teaspoon)
Nutmeg
1/4 (teaspoon)
Wheat germ
1 (tablespoon)
Sugar
1/2 (cup)
Cornstarch
1 (tablespoon)
Water
1 (cup)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking immediately. If freezing, skip this step.
2
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Arrange half of the quartered French bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
4
Distribute the cream cheese cubes over the bread, trying to spread them out as evenly as possible.
5
Carefully sprinkle one cup of the frozen blueberries over the cream cheese.
6
Top the blueberries with the remaining half of the French bread cubes.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg substitute, skim milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and wheat germ until well combined.
8
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberry layers in the dish.
9
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight if you're serving it the next day.
10
For freezing: Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and then tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze it for later use. You can also freeze the blueberry sauce separately in quart-sized freezer bags.
11
To prepare the blueberry sauce, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a medium saucepan. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before heating.
12
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
13
Stir in the cup of frozen blueberries and reduce the heat to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to freezer bags if making ahead.
14
When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the plastic wrap from the dish before baking.
15
Bake covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center is firm and the top is lightly browned.
16
Before serving, warm the blueberry sauce in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Serve generous portions of the casserole with warm blueberry sauce drizzled over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Make-Ahead Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake?
It is a healthier version of a classic brunch casserole featuring French bread, cream cheese, and fresh blueberries that can be prepared in advance.
How many slices of French bread are required?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of French bread.
How should the French bread be prepared?
The bread slices should be cut into quarters before layering.
What size should the cream cheese cubes be?
The cream cheese should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
How many blueberries do I need in total?
You need 2 cups of frozen blueberries, divided between the bake and the sauce.
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using frozen blueberries for both the filling and the sauce.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The mixture includes eggs, egg substitute, skim milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and wheat germ.
Is there a specific type of milk recommended?
The recipe uses 1 cup of skim milk for a healthier spin.
What is the purpose of wheat germ in this recipe?
Wheat germ is added to the egg mixture to provide extra nutrition and texture.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the French toast from sticking.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Layer half the bread cubes, then the cream cheese, one cup of blueberries, and finally the remaining bread cubes.
How long should the casserole refrigerate before baking?
If you are preparing it for the next day, cover and refrigerate the dish overnight.
Can I freeze this French toast bake?
Yes, you can freeze it by covering it loosely with plastic wrap and then tightly with aluminum foil.
How do I freeze the blueberry sauce?
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to quart-sized freezer bags for storage.
What are the ingredients for the homemade blueberry sauce?
The sauce consists of sugar, cornstarch, water, and frozen blueberries.
How do I thicken the blueberry sauce?
Boil the sugar, cornstarch, and water mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once the blueberries are added, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
How should I thaw the casserole if frozen?
Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking the next morning.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Bake it covered with foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncover it for the remaining time.
How long is the total baking time?
Total baking time is approximately 55 to 60 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The casserole is ready when the center is firm and the top is lightly browned.
How do I reheat the blueberry sauce for serving?
Warm the sauce in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Serve generous portions of the warm casserole with the blueberry sauce drizzled over the top.
Is this recipe considered a 'freezer meal'?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be a make-ahead freezer meal for efficient meal prep.
How much maple syrup is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
Can I use real eggs instead of egg substitute?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 large eggs and 1 cup of egg substitute.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include breakfast, brunch, casserole, blueberry, make-ahead, healthy, comfort food, and freezer meal.
How much sugar is in the blueberry sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of sugar.
Is this dish suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a perfect option for a brunch gathering or for impressing guests.