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Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s as comforting as it is impressive, you’ve got to try this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese with bursts of fresh blueberries, all nestled between soft, custardy French bread. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite—you’ll be so glad you stuck around to read all the way through!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before and wake up to a breakfast masterpiece.
  • Fresh and Fruity: Real blueberries add juicy bursts of flavor that elevate this casserole.
  • Cream Cheese Delight: The cream cheese layer adds richness and a slightly tangy twist that balances the sweet.
  • Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Easily multiplies for family gatherings or brunch parties without extra fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that play off one another beautifully. Choosing day-old French bread is a must—it soaks up all those rich custard flavors without falling apart.

Flat lay of fresh whole large eggs with smooth clean shells, a small heap of fresh plump blueberries, a simple white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with fine powdered sugar, two small white bowls each containing clear vanilla extract and whole milk, two small white bowls holding ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, and fresh cubed rustic French bread, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Blueberry French Toast Casserole, easy breakfast casserole, make-ahead brunch recipe, blueberry breakfast bake, baked French toast with blueberries
  • Blueberries: Fresh works best here—frozen tends to get too mushy in the casserole, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid first.
  • Cream Cheese: I always use Philadelphia—it has a smooth consistency that mixes perfectly with the powdered sugar.
  • Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese mixture nicely without graininess.
  • Vanilla Extract: Splitting it between the cream cheese mixture and custard gives balanced flavor throughout.
  • Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but feel free to substitute with whatever milk you prefer.
  • French Bread: Cubed and day-old is best for soaking up all the custard without turning soggy.
  • Eggs: They’re key for that custardy texture everyone loves.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that add cozy depth without overpowering the blueberries.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing it up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to get creative with this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe and make it your own!

  • Berry Swap: I’ve swapped blueberries for raspberries or strawberries, which works great if you prefer other berries or want a tangier bite.
  • Nutty Addition: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts before baking adds a delightful crunch my family goes crazy for.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk to adapt this recipe for dietary needs without losing the creamy texture.
  • Extra Bubbly: Drizzle maple syrup on top before serving to add an extra layer of sweetness and that irresistible sticky finish.

How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by softening your cream cheese—it should be easy to stir, not lumpy. Mix it with powdered sugar, milk, and half of your vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then gently fold in one cup of blueberries to keep those bursts of fruit evenly distributed. I found this step really sets the tone for a luscious texture later on.

Step 2: Layer Your Bread and Cream Cheese

Grab a 10×14-inch baking dish and layer half of your cubed French bread on the bottom. Spread that gorgeous cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer—don’t skip this because it’s where the magic happens! Then cover with the remaining bread cubes to sandwich everything nicely. Make sure your bread cubes are nicely packed but not squished.

Step 3: Mix and Pour The Egg Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, the remaining vanilla extract, and another cup of blueberries. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, making sure every piece gets soaked. I always press down gently with a spatula so it absorbs well before topping with the last cup of blueberries. Then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Get Ready to Bake

When you’re ready to pop it in the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Pull the casserole out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes beforehand to take the chill off—it helps everything bake more evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake covered with foil for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 30 minutes or until the center is set and the top has turned golden and inviting. Watching the evolution from soft to just-right crispiness is one of my favorite parts.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole cool just a little—it’s easier to slice and serve when it’s not piping hot. Then dig in and enjoy that creamy, blueberry-packed goodness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Pro Tips for Making Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

  • Use Day-Old Bread: It soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy like fresh bread sometimes does.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Refrigerating overnight allows flavors to meld and ensures the bread is fully infused.
  • Add Blueberries Last on Top: This helps them keep their shape and adds a pretty finishing touch.
  • Watch the Baking Time: Avoid rushing—pulling it too soon means the custard won’t set properly.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few extra fresh blueberries for a pop of color. Sometimes a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream makes it feel extra special. My kids love a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top for a little crunch, too.

Side Dishes

Pair this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe with crispy bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness. A fresh green salad or fruit salad on the side also adds a refreshing contrast, especially if you’re serving brunch to guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this casserole in individual ramekins to make it feel extra personal and elegant. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass dish so everyone can see the beautiful layers of bread, cream cheese, and blueberries—instant showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe has cooled, cover it tightly and store leftovers in the refrigerator. I find it stays tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, which is a great tip I discovered after making extra batches for my family. Portion it into airtight containers or aluminum foil trays, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 60 seconds, or warm a larger portion covered in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. The foil helps keep it moist and creamy without drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

    You can, but I recommend thawing and draining them thoroughly first to avoid excess moisture turning the casserole soggy. Fresh blueberries tend to hold their shape and texture better when baked.

  2. What kind of bread is best for Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe?

    Day-old French bread is ideal because it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without becoming mushy. You can also experiment with brioche or challah for a richer, fluffier result.

  3. Can I prepare this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe on the same day?

    While you can bake it right after assembling, soaking it overnight in the fridge really makes a difference for texture and flavor. If pressed for time, let it soak for at least 1-2 hours before baking.

  4. How do I know when it’s fully baked?

    The casserole is done when the center is set—not jiggly—and the top turns a lovely golden brown. You can gently press the center with a spatula to check firmness.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to for special mornings. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—with every bite rich, fruity, and perfectly balanced. When I first made it for my family, they kept going back for seconds, and I’m confident you’ll get the same reaction. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible breakfast dish. You’re going to love how easy it is to make and how spectacular it tastes!

Print
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Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a luscious and creamy breakfast casserole layered with soft French bread, a rich cream cheese and blueberry mixture, and a spiced egg custard. Perfect for preparing ahead, it soaks overnight to absorb all the flavors and bakes to golden perfection, delivering a comforting and fruity start to your day.


Ingredients

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia preferred)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (divided: half for cream cheese, half for egg mixture)
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 cup blueberries

Bread Layers

  • 2 loaves cubed French bread (day-old for best soaking)

Egg Mixture

  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (remaining half from cream cheese portion)
  • 1 cup blueberries


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries to evenly distribute throughout the mixture.
  2. Assemble the Bread Layers: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, layer half of the cubed French bread evenly on the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.
  3. Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread in the dish, making sure all cubes are well soaked. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries evenly on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from fridge 30-60 minutes before baking to come to room temperature.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. Total baking time is about 75 minutes.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this creamy, fruity French toast casserole warm as a delicious breakfast or brunch treat!

Notes

  • Day-old French bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy.
  • Whole milk adds richness, but feel free to use your preferred milk type.
  • Make sure to let the assembled casserole soak overnight for best texture and flavor infusion.
  • Removing the casserole from the fridge before baking ensures more even cooking.
  • You can substitute blueberries with other berries or fruit if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of dish)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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