Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the cubed French bread and blueberries. Gently toss to mix and distribute the blueberries evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries. Press down gently with a spatula to guarantee all the bread absorbs the liquid. Drizzle the melted butter on top.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard.
When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
For the best results, consider using a high-quality bread, as it will provide better texture and flavor. If you want to make this dish a day in advance, prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
This allows the flavors to develop fully, and you can simply pop it in the oven in the morning. Additionally, feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like raspberries or strawberries, or even nuts for added crunch. Enjoy your delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole!