Blueberry French Toast Casserole

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole brings together all the rich, creamy, and fruity goodness of a bakery-style breakfast in one easy, prep-ahead dish. With soft layers of cubed French bread soaked in spiced custard, a sweet-tart cream cheese and blueberry filling, and a golden baked top, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for brunches, holidays, or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Gooey Cream Cheese Layer: Adds a cheesecake-like texture and flavor.
• Bursts of Blueberries: Sweet and tangy fruit in every bite.
• Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring classic French toast comfort.
• Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for gatherings, with minimal morning effort.

Ingredients

For the cream cheese mixture:

• 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split
• 1 cup blueberries

The bread layers:

• 2 loaves cubed French bread (separated)

the egg mixture:

• 2 cups milk
• 8 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup blueberries

Directions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Assemble the Bread Layers

1. Lightly grease a 10×14-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly across the bottom of the dish to form the base layer.
3. Spoon the prepared cream cheese mixture over the bread layer and spread it gently for even coverage.
4. Top with the remaining cubed French bread, forming the top layer.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups milk, 8 eggs, remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg until fully combined.
2. Slowly pour this custard mixture over the entire dish, making sure all the bread is soaked evenly.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries evenly across the top.

Chill Overnight

1. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to let the bread absorb all the flavors.

Preheat the Oven

1. Remove the casserole from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the Casserole

1. Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
3. Total baking time is approximately 75 minutes.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm, optionally topped with maple syrup or extra berries.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Dry Your Bread: Slightly stale bread works best. Fresh bread can be dried in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
• Try Other Berries: Substitute with raspberries, blackberries, or a mix for variety.
• Dairy Swaps: Mascarpone or ricotta can be used instead of cream cheese (adjust sugar to taste).
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or streusel topping before baking for a crisp top.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle with warm maple syrup
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Serve with crispy bacon or sausage on the side
• Pair with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot coffee

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
• Reheat larger portions covered with foil in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

Freezing:

• Freeze unbaked (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months.
• Freeze baked leftovers in portions for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes, but it won’t have the same rich texture. You can skip it or substitute with mascarpone or ricotta.

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, no need to thaw them first—just add directly to the mix.

Do I have to soak it overnight?
Overnight is best for flavor and texture, but you can soak for at least 2–3 hours in a pinch.

What bread works best?
French bread is ideal. You can also use brioche, challah, or stale white sandwich bread.

Conclusion

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate prep-ahead breakfast for special occasions or lazy weekends. With sweet blueberries, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese layer, it’s a comforting dish that brings people together at the table. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular on your breakfast rotation.

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