Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a dreamy breakfast dish that brings together soft, custardy bread baked with fresh blueberries and a touch of cinnamon sweetness. It combines the best parts of classic French toast—crispy edges and tender insides—but in a big, warm, shareable casserole form. The blueberries add a burst of juicy, fruity flavor that makes each bite feel special and bright.
I love making this casserole on weekend mornings when I have a little extra time to enjoy breakfast. It’s such an easy way to wow everyone with minimal effort because you can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven before serving. I always sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top and drizzle some maple syrup right before digging in. It feels like a small celebration every time!
Serving this Blueberry French Toast Casserole with a side of crispy bacon or some fresh fruit makes a lovely breakfast or brunch. It’s one of those comforting recipes that fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma and gets everyone excited to gather around the table. I’ve found that it’s a hit with both kids and adults, which makes it a go-to for family mornings or special occasions.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah is best because their soft, buttery texture soaks up the custard nicely. If you can’t find these, try a good quality white bread or Texas toast. Day-old or slightly stale bread works great.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries give a juicy pop, but frozen ones work well too—just don’t thaw them completely to avoid too much liquid in the casserole.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create that rich, custardy base. You can substitute with any milk you prefer, but whole fat for creaminess is ideal. For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
Eggs: Eggs bind the custard. Large eggs are best for the right consistency. If you want a lighter casserole, try using 1-2 egg whites with the yolks.
Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and helps the top crisp up beautifully. You could swap for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Soak for the Bread?
Getting the bread to soak well in the egg mixture is key to a custardy casserole without sogginess. Here’s the trick:
- Use slightly stale bread; it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Press the bread gently after pouring the custard to help it absorb evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time really lets the custard penetrate deep into the bread.
- Don’t skip baking uncovered—this helps the top get that golden, slightly crispy texture.
Following these steps gives you a casserole that’s soft inside, with a pleasing crust on top. I always wait about 10 minutes before serving to let it set and make slicing easier!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I prefer this size because it’s perfect for stuffing full of bread and blueberries without spilling over.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking the custard ingredients, making it easy to combine everything smoothly.
- Whisk – to blend the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and spices until well mixed.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measure of ingredients, especially the liquids and spices.
- Plastic wrap or foil – to cover the casserole while it chills in the fridge, helping the bread soak evenly.
- Oven – obviously! A standard oven is perfect for baking this casserole to golden perfection.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap blueberries for sliced strawberries or raspberries for a different fruity flair that pairs well with the cinnamon.
- Mix in a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and texture.
- Add a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract to the custard for extra flavor dimension.
- Top with a streusel crumb topping before baking for a sweet, crisp crust.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bread & Fruit:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
Custard Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole requires about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours (or overnight) to chill for soaking. Baking takes around 45-55 minutes. Plan ahead for a delicious, hands-off breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread Layers:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then sprinkle 1 cup of fresh blueberries over them. Add the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries.
2. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine and Soak:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the dish. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down, helping it soak up the custard. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
4. Chill Before Baking:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the delicious custard.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for about 45-55 minutes, until the top looks golden brown and the custard is set in the middle.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra fresh blueberries for a beautiful finish. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled over each piece.
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well! Just add them directly to the casserole without thawing to prevent excess moisture that can make the casserole soggy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Baking it fresh in the morning will give you the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What Bread Works Best for This Recipe?
Brioche or challah bread is ideal due to their soft, rich texture. If unavailable, a sturdy white bread or Texas toast can be substituted—just make sure it’s not too fresh to avoid a mushy texture.