Transform your weekend mornings or special occasions with this incredible blueberry French toast casserole that combines the comfort of traditional French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead dish. This recipe delivers perfectly custardy bread soaked in a rich vanilla-scented custard, studded with juicy blueberries, and topped with a golden, slightly crispy surface that will have your family asking for seconds.
Unlike individual slices of French toast that require standing at the stove, this casserole feeds a crowd and can be prepared the night before. The overnight rest allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful result that surpasses anything you’ll find at a restaurant.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to exceptional French toast casserole lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and technique. This recipe uses day-old brioche or challah bread, which provides the ideal texture and richness. The custard mixture combines whole milk, heavy cream, and eggs in precise proportions to create a creamy base that transforms into a silky custard when baked.
Fresh blueberries distribute throughout the casserole, bursting with sweet-tart flavor that complements the vanilla and cinnamon notes. The addition of cream cheese cubes creates pockets of richness that melt into the custard, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes and softened
- 1½ cups fresh blueberries (or 1¼ cups if using frozen, thawed and drained)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
For the Streusel Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Pure maple syrup
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh blueberries
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Small bowl for streusel (if making)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Day Before (Optional but Recommended):
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking, especially important for overnight preparation.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese Arrange half of the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Distribute half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread, then sprinkle with half of the blueberries. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the remaining cream cheese and blueberries. This layering technique ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together eggs until well beaten. Add milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved. The custard should be pale yellow and well-combined.
Step 4: Combine and Rest Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
Baking Day:
Step 5: Prepare for Baking Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping (Optional) In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds a delightful textural contrast and extra sweetness.
Step 7: Add Topping and Bake Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole. If using streusel, sprinkle it evenly over the surface. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly when gently shaken. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffed.
Step 8: Rest and Serve Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the custard finish setting and makes serving easier. Cut into squares and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Choose the Right Bread: Day-old brioche or challah works best because these enriched breads have the perfect texture and richness. If your bread is fresh, cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast the cubes.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Rest: While you can bake this immediately, overnight refrigeration allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole.
Test for Doneness: The center should be set but still slightly soft. A knife inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, similar to testing a cheesecake.
Prevent Soggy Bottom: If your casserole seems too wet after baking, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Every oven varies, so trust your eyes and the jiggle test.
Variations and Substitutions
Berry Alternatives: Replace blueberries with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry combination. Frozen berries work well but should be thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture.
Bread Options: French bread, Texas toast, or even croissants make excellent substitutes. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread, which becomes mushy.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk for the dairy milk and cream, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cream cheese to 6 ounces for a lighter version that’s still delicious.
Flavor Additions: Try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or a tablespoon of bourbon to the custard for different flavor profiles.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Individual portions reheat beautifully in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or you can reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Nutritional Benefits
While indulgent, this casserole provides protein from eggs and calcium from dairy. Blueberries contribute antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Using whole grain bread when possible adds additional fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole shines as the centerpiece of a special breakfast or brunch. Pair it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a complete meal. Fresh fruit salad and coffee complete the perfect morning spread.
For special occasions, consider serving with a dollop of lemon-scented whipped cream or a drizzle of warm berry compote alongside the traditional maple syrup.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Casserole is too wet: This usually happens when the bread hasn’t absorbed enough custard or when frozen berries release too much moisture. Add a few more bread cubes or bake for additional time.
Top browns too quickly: Cover with aluminum foil and continue baking until the center sets.
Custard curdles: This occurs when the oven temperature is too high or the casserole bakes too quickly. Always use the recommended temperature and check for doneness with gentle shaking rather than inserting a knife repeatedly.
Conclusion
This blueberry French toast casserole represents the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. The make-ahead nature makes it ideal for entertaining, while the rich, custardy texture and bright blueberry flavor create a memorable breakfast experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or treating your family to a special weekend breakfast, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
The combination of techniques used in this recipe—overnight soaking, proper bread selection, and careful custard preparation—ensures consistent, delicious results every time. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a go-to dish that impresses guests and satisfies the whole family.
Yield: 8-10 servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight chilling) | Cook Time: 50 minutes
