Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Toast

Some mornings call for something truly special — a dish that fills the kitchen with the scent of warm vanilla and bright lemon, that draws everyone to the table before they've even had their coffee. This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough French Toast Casserole is exactly that kind of recipe. Tangy sourdough bread soaks up a rich, lemon-kissed custard overnight, while plump blueberries nestle between every golden layer, bursting with flavor as they bake. Whether you're hosting a festive brunch or simply treating your family to a weekend breakfast worth remembering, this vibrant casserole is your answer. It's easy, make-ahead friendly, and utterly crowd-pleasing.

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The secret to this casserole's irresistible depth is time. Allowing the sourdough cubes to soak in the lemon-scented custard overnight transforms each piece of bread into a tender, flavor-packed morsel. The blueberries soften as they bake, releasing their jewel-toned juices into the custard and painting every slice with gorgeous color. A final sprinkle of sliced almonds and turbinado sugar adds a satisfying crunch to the golden top, while a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup or lemon curd at the table makes this feel like something truly special. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition.

Ingredients

• Bread & Fruit
• 1 loaf (about 400 g) sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh blueberries (can substitute frozen, unthawed)
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• Custard
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Topping
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• 2 tbsp turbinado or coarse sugar (optional, for crunch)
• For Serving
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Maple syrup or lemon curd

Dries dishes, utensils, and cookware neatly after cooking, keeping your countertop organized and clutter free.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish

Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer the bread and blueberries

Layer half the sourdough cubes in the dish. Sprinkle half the blueberries and half the lemon zest over the bread. Repeat with remaining bread, blueberries, and zest.

Step 3: Make the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 4: Soak the bread

Pour the custard evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press down gently so bread absorbs the liquid.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Step 6: Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Add toppings

If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds and turbinado sugar over the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and set in the center.

Step 9: Rest and serve

Let rest 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup or lemon curd.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für das beste Ergebnis empfiehlt es sich, altbackenes Brot vom Vortag zu verwenden, da es die Eiercreme besonders gut aufnimmt und beim Backen eine wunderbar cremige Konsistenz entwickelt. Wer die Kasserole am Abend vorher zubereitet und über Nacht im Kühlschrank ziehen lässt, spart morgens wertvolle Zeit und profitiert von einem noch intensiveren Geschmack. Achten Sie darauf, die Eiercreme gleichmäßig über das gesamte Brot zu gießen und das Brot leicht anzudrücken, damit keine trockenen Stellen entstehen. Für eine milchfreie Variante können Mandelmilch oder Hafermilch sowie Kokosnusscreme als Ersatz für Milch und Sahne verwendet werden.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Kasserole lässt sich wunderbar abwandeln: Ersetzen Sie die Blaubeeren ganz oder teilweise durch Himbeeren oder Brombeeren für eine spannende Variation. Wer es nussfreier möchte, lässt die Mandelblättchen einfach weg — die Kasserole schmeckt auch ohne sie hervorragend. Für eine intensivere Zitrusnote kann zusätzlich etwas Orangenschale in die Eiercreme gegeben werden. Die Kasserole eignet sich außerdem hervorragend für besondere Anlässe wie Ostern, Weihnachten oder Muttertag, da sie sich problemlos im Voraus zubereiten lässt.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie die Kasserole warm, direkt aus dem Ofen, großzügig mit Puderzucker bestäubt und einem Schuss Ahornsirup oder einem Löffel Lemon Curd an der Seite. Ein frischer Obstsalat oder griechischer Joghurt mit Honig ergänzen das Gericht zu einem vollständigen Brunch-Tisch. Für eine festliche Note empfiehlt sich ein Glas prickelnder Sekt oder ein erfrischender Brunch-Cocktail als Begleitung. Übrig gebliebene Portionen lassen sich am nächsten Tag im Backofen oder in der Mikrowelle gut aufwärmen.

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This Blueberry Lemon Sourdough French Toast Casserole is more than a recipe — it's an invitation to slow down and savor a beautiful morning. With its golden, custardy layers, bursts of jammy blueberry, and the bright lift of fresh lemon, it has everything you want from a truly special breakfast. Whether it graces your holiday table or simply makes a weekend feel a little more extraordinary, we hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. At just 335 calories per serving and ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, it proves that impressive and effortless can absolutely coexist.

Deep clean greasy stovetops, countertops, sinks, and tiles using powerful steam after everyday cooking.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

Day-old sourdough bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard well without becoming too soggy.

→ Can frozen blueberries be used?

Yes, unthawed frozen blueberries can be substituted without compromising flavor.

→ How can I add texture to the topping?

Sprinkling sliced almonds and turbinado sugar before baking adds a pleasant crunch.

→ Is it possible to prepare this in advance?

Yes, refrigerate the assembled dish for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance flavor and texture.

→ Are there dairy-free alternatives?

Substitute almond or oat milk and coconut cream to make a dairy-free version.