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Blueberry Maple Breakfast Casserole

Blueberry Maple Breakfast Casserole

The Blueberry Maple Breakfast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish combining juicy fresh blueberries, rich maple syrup, and custard-soaked thick bread slices. Perfect for cold mornings, the casserole balances tartness and sweetness with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Easy to prepare and great for gatherings or make-ahead meals, it delivers a hearty, satisfying, and shareable breakfast experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Sweeteners

  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Bread Base

  • 67 thick slices day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread recommended)

Custard Mixture

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Fat and Finishing

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the casserole dish and dotting on top)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Base: Cut thick bread slices into cubes and evenly layer them in a buttered casserole dish. This bread foundation absorbs the custard and maintains tender texture without becoming mushy.
  2. Add the Blueberries: Evenly scatter fresh blueberries over the bread cubes to ensure a balanced distribution of juicy tartness throughout the casserole.
  3. Whisk the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk or cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until smooth, creating a rich, flavorful custard.
  4. Pour Custard Over the Bread and Berries: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and blueberries, pressing lightly with a spatula to help the custard fully penetrate all pieces.
  5. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard completely, ensuring a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture after baking.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and custard is set but still soft inside.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to absorb custard better without turning mushy.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smooth custard blending and even baking.
  • Allow resting time before baking for perfect custard absorption.
  • Do not overbake to avoid drying out; bake until just set and golden.
  • Use only fresh blueberries to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: blueberry maple breakfast casserole, blueberry casserole, breakfast bake, baked oatmeal alternative, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast