Name: Blueberry Sourdough French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf sourdough bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, approximately 14 oz); 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Delicious Blueberry Sourdough French Toast topped with fresh blueberries

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The aroma of warm, freshly baked bread swirls around your kitchen like a gentle hug, wrapping you in a feeling of comfort and anticipation. The golden-brown edges of the French toast glisten invitingly, as the bursts of juicy blueberries nestle within the tender custard-soaked bread. Each slice promises a delightful contrast of textures—the creamy richness of the custard, the soft tang of the sourdough, and the pop of sweet blueberries that explode with every bite. Picture yourself serving a piece of this scrumptious Blueberry Sourdough French Toast at a leisurely brunch, where laughter and the clinking of forks harmonize with the sun’s warm rays streaming through your windows.

As you plate it up, a light dusting of powdered sugar settles on top, making it look irresistibly decadent. Whether you drizzle it with maple syrup or enjoy it straight from the dish, each mouthful takes you on a delicious journey. Sweetness envelops you, perfectly balanced by the unique tanginess of the sourdough, creating a harmonious melody of flavors that delights the senses and warms the soul. This creation is not just food; it’s an experience—a nostalgia-laden dish that invites everyone to gather around the table, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Sourdough French Toast

This Blueberry Sourdough French Toast stands out for several reasons that make it a perfect dish for any occasion. With each bite, you’ll discover the rich satisfaction of sourdough’s complex flavors paired beautifully with luscious blueberries. The sweet and tangy notes dance on your palate, while the creamy custard envelops the cubed bread, creating a delightful experience that feels both gourmet and comforting.

Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, the tantalizing aroma wafting through your home, enticing everyone to rise and shine. This dish also works beautifully for holiday gatherings, special celebrations, or cozy brunches with friends. It not only looks stunning on the table but also gives off a vibe of indulgence, making it a wonderful treat for your loved ones. The combination of vibrant blueberries bursting forth with flavor and the tangy depths of sourdough elevates your ordinary breakfast into a heavenly experience, creating moments that linger long after the last bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the perfect Blueberry Sourdough French Toast requires a few essential tools that will ensure your culinary masterpiece comes together seamlessly. Armed with the right kitchen equipment, the process becomes not just manageable but truly enjoyable.

9×13-inch Baking Dish: This classic dish holds everything together, allowing the custard to seep into the bread, ensuring every bite is saturated with flavor.
Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl allows for whisking together the custard ingredients with ease, while a smaller bowl will keep the topping mixture separate until it’s time to bake.
Whisk: A sturdy whisk helps blend the eggs, cream, and sugar into a smooth custard, ensuring a velvety texture.
Rubber Spatula: Use a spatula to gently press the bread into the soaking custard, ensuring every piece joins in on the flavor infusion.
Plastic Wrap: Cover the dish thoughtfully while it chills in the fridge to enhance flavor development and keep everything fresh.

Preparation tips include using day-old sourdough for optimal texture; fresh sourdough may be too spongy and lead to a soggy final dish. If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand, as they can add a delightful chill to the otherwise warm dish.

Ingredients for Blueberry Sourdough French Toast

1 loaf sourdough bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, approximately 14 oz): Sourdough’s unique tanginess pairs wonderfully with sweet blueberries. If needed, you can substitute it with brioche or challah for a different flavor profile.
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries: The star of the dish, these berries provide bursts of sweetness and juiciness. If allergic to blueberries, try raspberries or strawberries instead.
6 large eggs: They are essential for creating a rich custard. Opt for organic or free-range eggs for the best flavor.
2 cups whole milk: Whole milk contributes creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can use 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This elevates the dish’s richness. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or low-fat cream.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and complements the blueberries beautifully.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor. This ingredient truly makes a difference, so avoid imitation vanilla.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warmth and spice make this French toast irresistible. Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: This fragrant spice adds a layered complexity.
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the dish.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): This richness gives the topping a lovely crisp finish.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Introduces a caramel note, enriching the dish as it bakes.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: An additional sprinkle on top amplifies the warm aroma as it bakes.

How to Make Blueberry Sourdough French Toast

Start your culinary adventure by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a nonstick spray, ensuring a non-sticking finish that highlights your hard work.

Prepare the Bread: Spread cubed sourdough evenly in the prepared dish. Scatter the blueberries over the top, letting their juiciness shine over the bread.
Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. The aroma will transport you.
Soak It All In: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to ensure thorough soaking, inviting the flavors to permeate each piece.
Chill for Flavor Development: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if you crave an even deeper flavor. Just imagine the anticipation building as those hours pass by!
Preheat and Mix: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until combined, creating a luscious topping that will turn golden brown while baking.
Bake to Perfection: Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll see the center set and the top turn a glorious golden brown, fragrant and inviting.
Cool and Serve: Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving; the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist. Serve warm, optionally adding maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Tips: This dish is perfect for preparing in advance. Soak overnight in the refrigerator to enhance flavors, making it a game-changer for busy mornings or special occasions.
Cooking Alternatives: Try using an air fryer for a crispy finish! Cut the soaked bread into thicker slices and air fry them in batches. They’ll get that delightful crunch without much effort.
Customization Ideas: Add different fruits like peaches or strawberries for variety, or sprinkle nuts on top for a delightful crunch. Consider a dollop of whipped cream as a luxurious topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes in baking can often result in less-than-ideal results, but they are easily avoidable with a little mindfulness.

Using Fresh Bread: Freshly baked sourdough can lead to sogginess. Opt for day-old bread or toast it slightly to dry it out.
Under-soaking the Bread: If you neglect to press the bread down, the custard won’t saturate every cube, leading to dry spots. Ensure every piece soaks thoroughly.
Skipping the Chill Time: Patience pays off! Skipping the refrigeration step may not allow the flavors to meld, affecting the final taste.

What to Serve With Blueberry Sourdough French Toast

Enhance your brunch spread with these delightful pairings:

Maple Syrup: A must-have for drizzling, its sweetness perfectly complements every bite.
Fresh Whipped Cream: Adds a luxurious touch with its airy fluffiness.
Greek Yogurt: A creamy contrast that balances the richness, offering a tangy flavor.
Bacon or Sausage: The savory elements provide a delicious counterpoint to the sweetness of the toast.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and add freshness.
Chai Latte or Coffee: The warm spices in these beverages enhance the overall experience, making each bite even more delightful.
Scone Variety: For an extended treat, serve alongside assorted scones to surprise and delight.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftover Blueberry Sourdough French Toast can be a wonderful treat for busy days ahead.

Refrigeration: Store uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Freezing: Cut into squares, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat by baking from frozen at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover and bake until heated through.

Estimated Nutrition Information

Approximately per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g

Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While sourdough is preferred for its unique flavor, brioche or challah works beautifully as well, adding a slightly sweeter, softer texture.

2. Is it necessary to let it soak overnight?
Though not mandatory, soaking the bread overnight allows the flavors to develop and ensures each piece absorbs the custard fully, giving you a richer taste.

3. Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread in place of sourdough, ensuring the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

4. What can I do with leftovers?
Refrigerate or freeze as suggested, or repurpose leftovers into a delicious bread pudding by baking with a custard mixture and some extra spices.

5. Can I make individual portions instead of a big dish?
Certainly! Use ramekins and adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure even cooking for smaller portions.

Conclusion

Indulging in Blueberry Sourdough French Toast transcends mere eating; it’s an opportunity to create cherished memories around the kitchen table. Each ingredient harmonizes to produce a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, igniting warmth and happiness on even the simplest of mornings. You owe it to yourself to whip up this delightful concoction—bring your family and friends together, and let the taste of love fill the room. Try this recipe today, and experience the joy that awaits!

Hi, I’m Clara!

I'm a food lover and a firm believer that anyone can learn to cook with a little curiosity and courage. My story with food didn’t begin in a tiny apartment with a two-burner stove and a stack of cookbooks from the local library. I was broke and desperate to make something anything that felt like home.

About Me