Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8-10 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter for greasing the dish
Optional Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the sourdough cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring they are snug but not overly packed.
Pro Tip: Day-old or slightly stale sourdough works best—it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. - Create the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until completely smooth and free of egg streaks. This custard is the foundation of your French toast bake.
Sensory Note: The warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with vanilla is pure breakfast bliss. - Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the blueberries throughout, tucking some into the crevices. Gently press the bread down with a spatula so every piece is saturated. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Actionable Tip: The longer it soaks, the more flavorful and tender the final bake will be. - Add Streusel Topping (Optional)
If using the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the soaked bread. - Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The bread should be puffy and the edges slightly caramelized. - Rest and Serve
Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with additional maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake as directed—add 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Berry Substitutions: Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or oat milk and substitute butter with vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sourdough bread for a celiac-friendly version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F until heated through. Avoid the microwave, which can make the texture rubbery.
- Freezing: This bake freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
