Start your day with a burst of flavor! My Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast is a tasty treat that combines zesty lemon and sweet blueberries for a delightful breakfast. It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Follow along as I share the steps, ingredients, and tips to create this delicious dish. Let’s dive into this sweet delight that will brighten up your breakfast table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep time before it can chill overnight, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of lemon zest and fresh blueberries adds a bright, refreshing twist to traditional French toast.
- Perfect for Gatherings: With multiple servings, this dish is ideal for brunches or family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
- Customizable: This recipe allows for various substitutions, such as different types of milk or adding nuts, making it versatile for different tastes.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make this Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast, gather these items:
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Recommended Substitutes
If you don’t have some of these items, here are good swaps:
- Use whole milk or oat milk instead of almond milk.
- Swap Greek yogurt for regular yogurt or a dairy-free option.
- Honey can replace maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Any bread like sourdough or whole wheat can work instead of challah or brioche.
- For a lemony kick, you can use lime zest in place of lemon zest.
Nutritional Information
This dish serves six people. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
This recipe packs a tasty punch while keeping things balanced. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat while knowing it’s a tasty way to start your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Egg Mixture
First, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, lemon zest, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to mix until smooth. This step is key to a creamy base.
Arranging the Bread in the Baking Dish
Next, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Cut your challah or brioche into thick slices. Arrange these slices in the dish. You can stand them upright or overlap them slightly. This layout helps soak every piece well.
Soaking and Refrigerating the French Toast
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread. Make sure each slice is soaked well. Gently press down on the bread with your hands. This helps the bread absorb the mixture better. Then, scatter the fresh blueberries on top. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This soaking time allows the flavors to deepen and the bread to soften.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfecting Texture
To get the best texture for your Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast, use thick bread. Challah or brioche works great. Cut the slices thick, about one inch. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture without falling apart. When mixing the eggs and almond milk, whisk well until smooth. This makes every bite creamy and tasty. Let the bread sit in the mixture for at least four hours. Overnight soaking gives it a wonderful texture.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep the French toast in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze the slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish later.
Best Serving Suggestions
Serve the French toast warm for the best taste. Top it with extra blueberries for color and flavor. A drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness. For a pretty touch, dust powdered sugar on top. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint or lemon slices. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old challah or brioche. This will help the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Experiment with Milk Alternatives: While almond milk works great, feel free to experiment with other milk alternatives like oat or coconut milk for different flavors.
- Blueberries Variations: Try mixing in other berries such as raspberries or strawberries to create a mixed berry flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
Variations
Alternative Fruits to Use
You can switch up the blueberries for other fruits. Try raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Each fruit gives a new taste. You can even mix them for extra flavor. If you use frozen fruit, add it before baking. This keeps it juicy and sweet.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Options
To make this dish dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. For eggs, try flax eggs or chia seeds mixed with water. Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt. These swaps keep the taste and texture yummy. You won’t miss the dairy at all.
Different Flavor Enhancements
Add zest from oranges or limes for a citrus boost. A splash of almond extract can give it a nutty twist. You can also sprinkle in some nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to experiment with spices, too! A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can make a big difference.
Storage Info
How to Properly Store Overnight French Toast
To store your leftover lemon blueberry overnight French toast, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and moist. You can store it in the fridge for about three days. If you have more than one serving, separate slices with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your French toast again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may get soggy.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze leftover French toast for quick breakfasts later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before, and enjoy the fresh taste again!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the night before. After you soak the bread in the egg mixture, cover it and put it in the fridge. Letting it sit overnight helps the bread soak up all those yummy flavors. In the morning, just bake it!
What can I use instead of challah or brioche?
If you don’t have challah or brioche, don’t worry! You can use other types of bread. French bread or Texas toast work well too. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the egg mixture. Day-old bread is great because it absorbs more liquid.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can last about three days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. They taste just as good the next day!
This post covered how to make delicious overnight French toast. We discussed the essential ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips for texture and serving. I also shared variations to suit different diets and preferences. Remember, leftovers can be stored and reheated easily. You can even prepare this dish ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own. With these tips and tricks, you’ll create a delightful breakfast that everyone will love. Happy cookin
Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 zest lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 pinch salt
- to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, lemon zest, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the thick slices of bread in the dish, standing them upright or slightly overlapping as needed.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well soaked. Gently press the bread down with your hands to help absorb the mixture.
- Scatter the fresh blueberries over the bread, making sure they are evenly distributed. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Bake the French toast uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until it is puffed and golden brown on top.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.
