Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a sweet and cozy breakfast treat that combines soft, eggy bread with juicy blueberries and a hint of cinnamon. It’s like a warm hug in breakfast form, with a lightly crisp top and a custardy inside that’s perfect for weekend mornings.
I love making this casserole the night before and letting it soak up the flavors while I sleep. When I wake up, it’s ready to bake, which makes the morning so much easier and more relaxed. Plus, the blueberries add a nice burst of freshness that balances the sweetness just right.
My favorite way to serve this is with a little drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy because it’s both simple and special at the same time. Great for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something extra yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah is best for this casserole because of their soft, slightly sweet texture that soaks up custard well. You can swap with thick Texas toast or even a sturdy white bread if needed.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a juicy pop and natural sweetness. Frozen works too—just thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
Eggs & Dairy: They create the custard base that makes the casserole creamy inside. If you want a lighter version, try using half milk and half almond milk, but whole milk and cream give the best richness.
Sugars: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while brown sugar on top forms a tasty crust. You can cut back on sugar if you prefer less sweet, or try coconut sugar as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Bread Just Right Without It Becoming Soggy or Dry?
The secret is soaking the bread long enough for the custard to absorb but not for it to fall apart. Here’s how:
- Use slightly stale bread—it holds up better and soaks evenly.
- After combining the bread and custard, press down gently to help absorption.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld and soak properly.
- Before baking, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes to avoid cold spots.
- Bake covered first to trap steam and finish uncovered to crisp the top without drying out the inside.
This balance keeps the casserole soft and custardy inside with a golden top. It’s a reliable approach that works every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I prefer this size because it fits the bread evenly and bakes uniformly.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking the custard mixture easily and without mess.
- Whisk or fork – helps combine the eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
- Sharp knife – to cut the bread into even cubes.
- Aluminum foil – covers the casserole while it refrigerates and initially bakes, keeping it moist.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients like sugar and vanilla.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch berries: Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries to diversify the fruity flavor; they add tartness or deep sweetness.
- Extra spices: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a cozy, warm-spiced twist.
- Cheesy topping: Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or cream cheese on top before baking for a richer, savory variation.
- Different bread: Use croissants for a flaky, buttery texture or English muffins for hearty slices.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 4 hours (or overnight) for soaking to let the flavors meld beautifully. Baking takes about 50 to 55 minutes, so plan for about 5 hours total from start to finish if you soak overnight. It’s mostly hands-off time, which makes it perfect to prepare ahead.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread Layers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries evenly over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries to create two layers.
2. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up the custard. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
4. Refrigerate to Let Flavors Meld:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully soak up the custard and the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. Bake the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven heats. Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar if you like. Enjoy your comforting and delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to prevent excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It’s best made the night before to let the bread soak up the custard fully. Just cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Brioche or Challah Bread?
You can use Texas toast, French bread, or croissants as great alternatives. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for better custard absorption.