Pin This protein blueberry French toast bake brings together plump blueberries and golden toast in a single pan for an easy breakfast that tastes indulgent and keeps you fueled all morning. It is ideal for meal prep and a lifesaver on busy days, yet also impressive enough for lazy weekend brunches with friends or family.
My family is obsessed with this breakfast because it is one dish that checks all the boxes: comforting for a crowd but healthy enough for weekdays. My kids devour it every time and even help stir the wet mixture.
Ingredients
- Whole grain bread: gives structure and adds fiber for fullness look for fresh bakery loaves with substance
- Blueberries: burst with sweetness and antioxidants choose plump fresh berries in season or use frozen for easy prep
- Milk: provides moisture and creaminess use your favorite dairy or unsweetened almond for a dairy free spin
- Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt: boost creaminess and protein pick a smooth variety for easy blending
- Eggs: hold everything together and add richness always choose large fresh eggs for best results
- Vanilla protein powder: turns basic French toast into a power breakfast check for a flavor and texture you enjoy
- Maple syrup or honey: naturally sweetens without overpowering opt for pure grade A syrup if possible
- Vanilla extract: creates that nostalgic bakery aroma seek out real extract for best flavor
- Ground cinnamon: adds cozy warmth choose a fresh spice for the brightest flavor
- Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors a fine sea salt works brilliantly
- Pecans or walnuts: offer a crunchy delicious topping pick fresh nuts for best texture and flavor
- Turbinado or brown sugar: sprinkles over the top for pleasant caramelized edges use fresh for best results
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish so the bake releases easily later.
- Layer the Bread and Blueberries:
- Arrange the whole grain bread cubes evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread so every piece gets a pop of fruit.
- Blend the Wet Mixture:
- In a blender combine milk cottage cheese or Greek yogurt eggs protein powder maple syrup vanilla extract cinnamon and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy so no lumps of dairy or protein powder remain.
- Combine and Soak:
- Pour the blended mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the dish. Press gently with a spatula or clean hands to help the bread absorb all that liquid goodness. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak if you have time.
- Add the Toppings:
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts and the sugar of your choice over the top of the unbaked French toast for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the baking dish snugly with foil and place on the center oven rack. Bake for thirty minutes so the custard sets gently without over browning.
- Finish Baking Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake an additional ten minutes. The bake should puff up slightly and look golden on top.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the French toast bake to cool for five to ten minutes so it slices cleanly. Serve warm with extra maple syrup if you love a little more sweetness.
Pin My favorite part is the hit of vanilla and cinnamon in each bite. I once brought this to a family brunch and it was the first dish gone. My kids always request their piece with extra maple syrup.
Storage Tips
Store leftover French toast bake tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick warm breakfast.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in your favorite berries such as raspberries or sliced strawberries. Use any sturdy bread including gluten free varieties. Almond milk or oat milk work just as well as classic dairy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm topped with fresh fruit Greek yogurt or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful touch. Maple syrup is classic for extra sweetness.
Cultural and Historical Context
French toast evolved from the tradition of reviving day old bread by soaking and frying it custard style. The idea for a baked French toast casserole makes it even easier for feeding a family or a brunch crowd.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use a mix of seasonal fruits like cherries or apple slices for fall Add a dash of nutmeg in winter for a cozier flavor Fresh herbs like mint can be sprinkled on top for spring freshness
Success Stories
This dish converted my old fashioned French toast loving father to a casserole fan. It has become a staple at every holiday breakfast in our house.
Freezer Meal Conversion
After baking and cooling slice the French toast bake into single portions. Wrap each tightly and freeze for up to two months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or a low oven for a fuss free breakfast.
Pin Make this bake ahead for busy mornings or a special brunch and enjoy the protein boost with every sweet bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the bake from becoming soggy?
Layer bread cubes evenly and pour the wet mixture slowly, pressing gently for even absorption. Avoid over-soaking.
- → Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Add directly without thawing for best texture and color distribution.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free whole grain bread to easily adapt this dish without sacrificing texture or taste.
- → What substitutions can I make for cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute, providing similar creaminess and protein content.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating individual servings in the microwave as needed.
- → What nuts are best for topping?
Pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavor. Use chopped nuts, or omit if you prefer a nut-free option.
- → Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast or brunch.