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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- 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.
- 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
