Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Some mornings call for something a little extra cozy. A warm pan of blueberry French toast casserole feels like a small celebration right at the breakfast table. It’s a dish that blends golden bread, juicy blueberries, creamy custard, and a touch of sweetness in every bite. You don’t have to be a pro baker to make it either—it’s one of those recipes that comes together with simple ingredients and just a bit of planning.
What makes this casserole stand out is its versatility. You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free brunch, or whip it up fresh on a slow weekend. It’s hearty enough for family gatherings, yet comforting enough to enjoy on an ordinary day. The balance of tangy blueberries with custardy bread keeps it from being too heavy, while still delivering that rich flavor we all look for in baked breakfast recipes.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Day-old French bread | 1 loaf (cubed) | 1,100 |
| Fresh or frozen blueberries | 2 cups | 160 |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz | 800 |
| Large eggs | 8 | 560 |
| Whole milk | 2 cups | 300 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 400 |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 390 |
| Maple syrup (optional) | 2 tbsp | 100 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | negligible |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | negligible |
| Butter (for greasing) | 2 tbsp | 200 |
Total calories vary by portion size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the bread base. Cut the loaf into bite-sized cubes. Grease a large baking dish with butter, then spread half the bread cubes evenly across the bottom.
- Add cream cheese and blueberries. Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the bread, sprinkle half the blueberries, then layer the remaining bread cubes on top.
- Mix the custard. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture slowly over the bread layers, making sure everything gets coated.
- Chill (optional but best). Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight. This helps the custard soak in, but if you’re short on time, let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 25–30 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Serve. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar.
Recipe Notes
- Using day-old bread prevents the casserole from getting soggy. Fresh bread can work, but it won’t soak up custard as well.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries both taste great. If frozen, don’t thaw them first—just toss them right in.
- You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone if you prefer a milder flavor.
Time and Serving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): Overnight or 30 minutes minimum
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling if overnight)
- Servings: 8 generous portions
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for best texture.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe container. Keeps for 1–2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380–400 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 20g |
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect
- Sprinkle a streusel topping (butter, flour, brown sugar) for a crunchy layer.
- Add a little lemon zest to the custard for brightness.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce sugar and drizzle more maple syrup only when serving.
How to Serve
This casserole works wonderfully for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or even as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh orange juice for a complete spread.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Foil for covering
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Health Benefits
While it is a comfort food, there are a few perks:
- Blueberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Eggs add protein, keeping you full longer.
- Using whole grain bread can increase fiber if you want a healthier twist.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Blueberry French toast casserole is one of those recipes that feels both comforting and special. It doesn’t require fancy techniques, yet the result looks impressive on the table. You’ll probably find yourself going back for seconds—or sneaking a piece later in the day. The mix of creamy custard, sweet fruit, and golden bread is hard to resist. If you enjoy recipes that can be made ahead of time and bring people together, this one should be in your kitchen rotation. Simple, warm, and just a bit indulgent—that’s what makes it worth baking again and again.
