Blueberry French Toast Casserole

The Blueberry French Toast Casserole is everything you want in a make-ahead breakfast: soft, custardy, and loaded with juicy bursts of fresh blueberries. It takes the classic flavors of French toast and transforms them into a beautiful baked dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. A hint of vanilla and cinnamon makes it irresistibly comforting.

Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch, Sunday breakfast, or simply want to indulge your sweet cravings, this recipe will become a family favorite. Serve it warm with powdered sugar and maple syrup for an extra touch of morning magic. Every bite is rich, fruity, and baked to golden perfection.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• 8 large eggs

• 2 ½ cups whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

• Extra blueberries

Directions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Place the bread cubes evenly into the dish, then sprinkle the blueberries on top, letting them fall between the bread pieces.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.

4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to soak.

5. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.

6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. In a separate bowl, prepare the topping: mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.

8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked casserole.

9. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center.

10. Let cool for 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve warm with more blueberries if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling) | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal per serving | Servings: 8

Few dishes can compete with the comforting nostalgia and crowd-pleasing charm of a French toast casserole. The Blueberry French Toast Casserole takes everything people love about the classic breakfast dish crispy edges, soft custardy center, sweet flavor and elevates it with the brightness and burst of blueberries. It’s ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want a warm, indulgent breakfast that feels both effortless and gourmet.

This baked casserole is a sweet fusion of French toast and bread pudding, crafted to be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning. The result? A perfectly golden-topped dish that fills your kitchen with the aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and warm berries like a warm hug in the form of breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of a French toast casserole lies in its simplicity and the comfort it brings to the table. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want a stress-free breakfast with your family, this dish delivers every time. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the entire casserole the night before, pop it in the fridge, and simply bake it the next morning. No fuss, no last-minute scrambling.
• Feeds a Crowd: One casserole serves up to 8 people, making it the perfect choice for gatherings, potlucks, or lazy Sunday brunches.
• Versatile and Customizable: While blueberries add a tart-sweet burst, the recipe adapts beautifully to other berries or fruits like raspberries, peaches, or even apples.
• Delightful Texture: The contrast between the soft custard-soaked interior and the crisp, golden-baked topping makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Kid and Adult Approved: It’s sweet, indulgent, and familiar enough for picky eaters while still impressive enough for foodies.

What Makes This Casserole Special?

Unlike stovetop French toast which requires standing over the skillet flipping slices individually, a French toast casserole lets the oven do all the work. The bread soaks overnight in a rich custard base made of eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. This creates an almost bread pudding-like consistency, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

The topping sets this recipe apart. A crumbly brown sugar streusel is scattered on top before baking, adding a delightful crunch and a caramelized finish. As the casserole bakes, the blueberries release their juices, adding beautiful pockets of flavor and color throughout the dish.

Another key difference is how this recipe perfectly balances richness and freshness. While the base is custardy and sweet, the juicy blueberries and optional splash of maple syrup keep the dish from feeling too heavy.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This casserole is a dream come true for planners and hosts. It’s ideal for:

• Holiday Mornings: Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, and Thanksgiving mornings become more relaxed with a breakfast you can make in advance.
• Weekend Brunches: Whether you’re feeding your immediate family or hosting a brunch party, this dish pairs wonderfully with other favorites like crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit.
• Baby Showers or Bridal Showers: It adds a touch of elegance and warmth to the brunch buffet.
• Meal Prep for the Week: Leftovers reheat well, making it a great option for busy mornings when you still want something cozy.

Tips for the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Even though it’s a simple recipe, a few tricks can take it from good to unforgettable:

• Use Sturdy Bread: Day-old French bread or brioche is ideal. It holds up better to the custard and gives the casserole structure without turning to mush.
• Let It Soak: Don’t rush the soak time. Overnight chilling ensures the bread absorbs the custard fully for that creamy center.
• Topping Timing: If you want an extra-crispy topping, add half the streusel before baking and the other half about halfway through.
• Cover and Then Uncover: Covering the dish in the first part of baking prevents it from browning too quickly. Remove the foil halfway through to allow the top to crisp up beautifully.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Both work well. If using frozen, toss them in a little flour before adding to the casserole to prevent excess bleeding.

Pairing and Serving Ideas

To round out your breakfast or brunch spread, consider serving this casserole with:

• Whipped Cream or Yogurt: A light topping balances the sweetness of the casserole and adds creaminess.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of melons, citrus, or berries offers brightness and color to the table.
• Savory Sides: Crispy bacon, sausage patties, or even avocado toast help balance the sweetness of the casserole.
• Maple Syrup or Berry Compote: A drizzle of syrup or spoonful of homemade compote intensifies the fruity flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This casserole stores beautifully. After baking and cooling completely:

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze individual slices or the entire casserole (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly in foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• To Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.

Healthy Swaps and Variations

Looking for a lighter or dairy-free version? This recipe is highly adaptable.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream and butter alternatives.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the custard by half or skip the topping entirely for a less sweet version.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Add Protein: Layer in some chopped nuts, Greek yogurt dollops, or even a side of scrambled eggs for extra protein.

You can also experiment with flavor additions like:

• Lemon zest for brightness
• Chopped nuts for crunch
• Cream cheese cubes for richness
• Swirling in some jam or fruit compote before baking

Conclusion: A Brunch Classic Worth Keeping

The Blueberry French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of mornings made simpler, gatherings made warmer, and flavors made richer. With its crisp golden top, juicy bursts of blueberries, and soft custard interior, it delivers everything you want from a breakfast casserole: beauty, ease, and indulgence.

Whether you’re enjoying it with family on a holiday morning or treating yourself on a quiet weekend, this dish brings joy to the table. Best of all, it’s flexible enough to match your tastes, dietary needs, and the ingredients in your kitchen.

So go ahead make it ahead, bake it fresh, and savor every bite. This dish is destined to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation.