Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Name: Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche or challah sliced into 1-inch cubes; 2 6 oz. half pints blueberries (12 ounces total); 2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened (16 ounces total); 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 eggs at room temperature; 2 cups half and half at room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Blueberry sauce for serving (optional); Berry syrup like boysenberry (optional); Maple syrup (optional); Strawberry syrup (optional)

Author: Lora

Published: February 18, 2026

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Introduction to Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Picture this: a cozy Sunday morning, the sun peeking through your kitchen window, and a heavenly aroma wafting through the air. That, dear reader, is the magic of Blueberry French Toast Casserole. This delightful dish is my secret weapon for impressing family and friends, all while keeping prep time to a delightful minimum. Whether it’s a hectic weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch, this casserole is your go-to solution! With sweet blueberries nestled in custardy brioche, it’s a tasty way to start any day. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll never look back!

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry French Toast Casserole

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a true game changer in the kitchen! Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also offers a burst of flavor that everyone will adore. You can make it the night before, allowing those delightful blueberry flavors to mingle and deepen. Plus, it’s a flexible dish that’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a special family breakfast. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to this deliciousness?

Ingredients for Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Let’s dive into the delightful components that make up this scrumptious Blueberry French Toast Casserole. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a flavor explosion!

Brioche or Challah Bread: The heart of the casserole, these soft, sweet loaves provide that pillowy texture we love!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a juicy burst of sweetness and a pop of color. Frozen works too, but I always prefer fresh when available.
Cream Cheese: This creamy component makes the custard rich and luscious. Don’t skip it if you want that smooth texture!

Granulated Sugar: A bit of sugar balances the flavors and sweetens the dish. Feel free to adjust this depending on your taste preference.
Eggs: The binding magic! Eggs create that custardy goodness that encompasses every bite.
Half and Half: A blend of cream and milk, half and half brings creaminess that adds depth to the custard. You can use whole milk for a lighter version.

Vanilla Extract: This ingredient brings warmth and is essential for the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen.
Lemon Juice and Zest: These brighten the dish with a hint of tartness, balancing the sweetness beautifully!
Salt: Just a pinch helps to enhance all the flavors, so don’t skip this step!

Optional Toppings: Blueberry sauce, berry syrup, maple syrup, or strawberry syrup are all delicious finishing touches to take this dish over the top!

You can find the exact quantities at the bottom of the article for easy reference and printing.

How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s leap into the step-by-step process of creating this enticing Blueberry French Toast Casserole. Each step is straightforward, making this dish perfect for busy mornings. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Toast the Bread

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While that’s warming up, take your loaf of brioche or challah and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Next, spread these bread cubes evenly on a large baking sheet. Pop them into the oven for about 10 minutes. You want them lightly toasted, but with a soft center. This step enhances the texture, ensuring your casserole doesn’t turn into a soggy mess!

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture

While the bread is toasting, it’s time to make that creamy custard! Grab a large mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth. Then, add in the eggs one by one, blending well after each addition. Slowly pour in the half and half, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is beautifully combined. A smooth custard is your goal for maximum flavor!

Step 3: Layer Bread and Blueberries

Now for the fun part! Take a 9×13 baking dish and grease it lightly. Begin by placing half of those toasted bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries on top. Pour half of the custard mixture over this layer, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Next, repeat the process with the remaining bread, blueberries, and custard. Press down gently to ensure the bread soaks up that delicious custard. You can almost taste it already!

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

To let those wonderful flavors meld together, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it overnight. This might seem like a long wait, but trust me, giving it that time to infuse makes all the difference. It ensures every bite bursts with flavor the next day!

Step 5: Bake and Serve

The following morning, take your casserole out of the fridge. Allow it to sit at room temperature while you preheat your oven again to 350 degrees F. Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the casserole is ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and it reaches around 165 degrees F. Serve warm and add your choice of blueberry sauce, berry syrup, maple syrup, or strawberry syrup for a sweet finishing touch!

Tips for Success

Use day-old brioche or challah for better absorption of the custard.

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother custard.
Don’t rush the refrigeration process; overnight is best for flavor.
Check doneness with a knife; it should come out clean for perfect results.

Feel free to experiment with different berries or toppings for a fun twist!

Equipment Needed

9×13 baking dish: A standard size for this casserole, but any large dish will do.
Baking sheet: For toasting the bread cubes; a rimmed cookie sheet works great.

Mixing bowl: Choose a large bowl for easy mixing of the custard.
Hand mixer: Alternatively, a whisk can work if you’re feeling strong!
Foil: To cover the dish while it bakes and refrigerates.

Variations

Berry Medley: Swap out blueberries for a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries for a colorful twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer.

Chocolate Delight: Stir in some mini chocolate chips with the blueberries for a decadent treat that the kids will love!
Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of sliced almonds or walnuts on top before baking for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions for Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast to the sweetness.

Offer a side of fresh fruit salad to brighten your plate.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Complement with freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing iced tea.

Garnish with mint leaves for a lovely presentation!

FAQs about Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Here are some common questions I often get about making Blueberry French Toast Casserole. I hope these answers help clear up any uncertainties and make your cooking experience even more enjoyable!

Can I make this Blueberry French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend preparing it the night before. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Frozen blueberries are a great option and work well in this casserole. They may release a bit more juice, so just keep an eye on your baking time!

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast!

Can I customize the toppings for this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with various syrups, like maple or berry syrup, or even add fresh fruit on top after baking for a fresh burst of flavor.

What can I serve with Blueberry French Toast Casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, sausage, or even a light fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast experience. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a warm slice of Blueberry French Toast Casserole shared with loved ones. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that sparks conversations and laughter around the breakfast table. This dish elevates your brunch game without demanding all your time, making it a beloved go-to for busy mornings or special occasions. The delicious blend of creamy custard, fresh blueberries, and sweet bread is sure to win hearts every time. So go ahead, embrace the joy this recipe brings, and create sweet memories one delightful bite at a time!