Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole combines all the best parts of French toast with the ease of a baked dish. It’s loaded with blueberries in every bite, wonderfully soft in the center, and lightly crisp on top. You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning, making it a time-saving favorite for busy mornings or special occasions. Plus, it’s easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread (French bread, brioche, or challah, cubed)
• Fresh or frozen blueberries
• Eggs
• Whole milk or half-and-half
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Butter (for greasing the dish)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or blueberry sauce

Directions

1. Grease the baking dish: Use butter to grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Layer bread and blueberries: Place half of the cubed bread into the dish. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries.
3. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
4. Pour the custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down lightly to help the bread soak it up.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
7. Cool and serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with powdered sugar or your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours to overnight
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling)

Variations

• Lemon twist: Add lemon zest to the custard for a bright flavor boost.
• Cream cheese version: Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese between the bread layers.
• Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top for crunch.
• Maple flavor: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup in the custard.
• Mixed berries: Combine blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a berry blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds or warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through.
This casserole also freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

What’s the best bread for this casserole?

Brioche, challah, or French bread work best as they’re sturdy and soak up the custard without falling apart.

Can I make it the same day?

Yes, but let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking so the bread absorbs the custard.

How do I keep it from being soggy?

Use day-old or slightly stale bread and let the custard absorb fully before baking.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Absolutely. A mix of butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon makes a delicious crumble topping.

Is it sweet enough without syrup?

It has moderate sweetness on its own. Syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit sauce enhances the flavor if desired.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk and cream, and skip or replace dairy-based toppings as needed.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be set, not jiggly, and a knife inserted should come out clean.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, use individual ramekins or muffin tins. Bake for 20–25 minutes and watch for doneness.

Can I serve it cold?

Yes, it can be served chilled like bread pudding, though it’s best warm.

Conclusion

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a warm, sweet, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. With juicy blueberries, soft custard-soaked bread, and endless topping options, it’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to prepare and always a hit. Whether served on a special morning or as a make-ahead meal, it’s guaranteed to brighten your table.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a sweet, make-ahead breakfast bake featuring soft bread, juicy blueberries, and a creamy egg custard—perfect for brunches, holidays, or crowd-pleasing breakfasts.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, brioche, or challah, cut into cubes
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or blueberry sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
2. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly into the dish, then sprinkle with half the blueberries. Repeat with remaining bread and blueberries.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread soaks it up.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with optional toppings like powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Notes

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture.
• Frozen blueberries can be used without thawing to prevent excess moisture.
• For a lemony twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard mixture.
• Dollops of cream cheese can be added for richness.
• A streusel topping or chopped nuts can be added for crunch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 160mg