Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast bake that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, fruity delight. Perfect for brunches, holidays, or make-ahead breakfasts, this casserole combines custardy bread, sweet blueberries, and warm cinnamon to create a dish that’s hard to resist.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep with simple steps.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
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Great for a Crowd: Feeds several people easily.
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Bursting with Flavor: Sweet blueberries and cinnamon in every bite.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make Blueberry French Toast Casserole:
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1 loaf of day-old French bread or brioche (about 12 cups), cubed
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1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
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8 large eggs
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2 ½ cups whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Butter for greasing the dish
For the Topping (Optional)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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½ teaspoon cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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Servings: 8–10
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Assemble the Bread and Blueberries
Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish. Sprinkle half of the blueberries. Add the remaining bread and top with the rest of the berries.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press gently to ensure all cubes absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping (Optional)
Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover casserole, sprinkle with crumble topping, and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and the center is set.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Tips for Best Results
Use Stale Bread
Day-old bread absorbs custard better. If your bread is fresh, cube it and toast it slightly in the oven.
Fresh vs Frozen Blueberries
Either works. If using frozen, no need to thaw—just add them directly.
Don’t Skip the Chill
Chilling helps the custard fully soak into the bread, giving you a soft, custardy texture.
Toppings and Variations
Flavor Add-Ins
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Add lemon zest for brightness.
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Mix in cream cheese cubes for richness.
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Add chopped nuts like pecans for crunch.
Topping Options
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Maple syrup
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Whipped cream
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Powdered sugar
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Lemon glaze
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can make the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in the refrigerator covered, and bake when ready.
Storing and Reheating
Storing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
This casserole can be frozen before or after baking.
To Freeze Before Baking
Wrap the assembled casserole tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
To Freeze After Baking
Cool completely, slice into portions, and freeze. Reheat individual slices as needed.
Pairing Suggestions
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Drinks: Serve with coffee, mimosas, or fresh orange juice.
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Sides: Crisp bacon, sausage links, or a light fruit salad complement it perfectly.
Kid-Friendly Twist
Top with mini chocolate chips or use a mix of berries for a colorful, sweet twist kids will love.
Gluten-Free Option
Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this recipe accessible to those with dietary needs. Be sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or even white sandwich bread work well. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for best results.
Can I make this without the topping?
Absolutely. The casserole is delicious on its own, but the topping adds a sweet crunch.
How do I know it’s done baking?
The center should be set, not jiggly, and the top golden brown. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes. Try raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries for variation.
Conclusion
Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food that’s easy to make and always a hit. Whether for a lazy weekend, brunch party, or holiday morning, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With simple ingredients, flexibility in flavors, and options for make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.