This is a recipe that I traditionally make for our Christmas breakfast at home because I can make it the night or day before and also because it’s super easy. It leaves me free to enjoy some coffee before the kids get up while it’s baking. As if that’s not enough, it’s also very versatile. You could use other fruit or even no fruit to suit your family’s tastes (or what you’ve got on hand)
Ingredients for French Toast
- 16 slices of day old French bread* cubed (usually about a loaf and a half for me, depending on size)
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2- 8 oz packages cream cheese cubed
- 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen (but thawed)
Ingredients for Blueberry Sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions for French Toast the night before:
- Grease a large casserole dish
- Cut French bread into cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Put them in the bottom of the dish.
- Cube the 1 package of cream cheese into .5 to 1 inch pieces. Layer the pieces on top of the bread cubes, dispersing it evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top of the bread and cream cheese.
- Repeat layering one time.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs.
- Add milk, vanilla and syrup to the eggs. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the French toast.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Instructions for French Toast the next morning:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Remove French toast from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking an additional 30-45 minutes or until baked all the way through.
- Remove and top with Blueberry Sauce. See instructions below.
- Serve hot.
Instructions for the Blueberry Sauce:
- Bring water, sugar, and cornstarch to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add blueberries and bring back to a boil, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes or until blueberries burst.
- Pour the syrup evenly over the baked French toast.
- This can be made the night before too. You just need to reheat it before pouring it on the baked French toast.
*Whenever I’m at the grocery store, I will buy the day old bread and keep it in the freezer for French toast and dressing recipes. You can use almost any type of bread you’ve got on hand. I’ve even used leftover cinnamon rolls to make overnight French toast before.
This is a family favorite and makes a lot, so it’s great for a crowd or if you want leftovers. It freezes fairly well. I paired it with Cheesy Bacon Quiche but also sometimes do other egg related casseroles to provide some protein and even the sweetness out.
I hope you enjoy this dish as much as we do! Oh, and Happy New Years Eve!!!
Chicken Minus Head 