LEMON BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST BAKE

Lemon Blueberry French Toast Bake image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 9h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
3/4 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
One 12-ounce package Hawaiian slider rolls
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 pint fresh blueberries
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
Kosher salt
4 pieces cooked bacon, finely chopped, for garnish

Steps:

Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter.
Add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whip on medium speed for 1 minute. With the mixer running, slowly pour in the maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla bean paste and whip until completely combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and reserve.
Keep the rolls intact and slice across the equator to create 1 large top and 1 large bottom roll. Place the bottom roll in the baking dish, then spread with 2 tablespoons of the maple butter. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and half of the blueberries and top with the top roll.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the rolls. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil, then continue to bake until golden brown, about 10 more minutes.
Arrange scoops of the maple butter on top and sprinkle with the bacon and remaining blueberries. Serve with additional maple syrup.