BAKED BLUEBERRY-MASCARPONE FRENCH TOAST

Baked Blueberry-Mascarpone French Toast image

When I want something special to serve my guests for a Saturday or Sunday brunch, I turn to this recipe. It never fails. It's wonderful during the spring and early summer because the blueberries are particularly good this time of year. -Patricia C. Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 cups cubed French bread (about eight 1/2-in. slices)
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
10 slices French bread (1 inch thick)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional confectioners' sugar
1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Additional fresh blueberries, optional

Steps:

In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer bread cubes and blueberries. In a small bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth; drop by tablespoonfuls over blueberries. Top with bread slices. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, granulated sugar and vanilla; pour over bread. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Preheat oven to 350°. Remove French toast from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, covered, 30 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 30-40 minutes longer or until puffed and golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean., Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar; sprinkle with almonds. If desired, serve with additional blueberries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 575 calories, Fat 37g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 232mg cholesterol, Sodium 368mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 17g protein.