If you’re searching for a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, custardy cubes of day-old French bread soaking up a fragrant mixture of eggs, milk, and warm spices, all punctuated by bursts of fresh blueberries and pockets of creamy, tangy cream cheese. It’s the perfect warm hug of a morning dish to enjoy with family or friends, ideal for leisurely weekend brunches or holiday gatherings. Once you try this, it might just become your go-to weekend ritual!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe relies on simple but magic-making ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the sturdy French bread that soaks up all the custard, to the luscious cream cheese and juicy blueberries that add bursts of flavor and texture.
- Day-old French bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): Using day-old bread ensures it absorbs the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened and cubed): Adds a rich, creamy tang that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (2 cups): Provides juicy pops of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Large eggs (6): The binders that create the custard base for a luscious texture.
- Whole milk or half-and-half (1 3/4 cups): Makes the custard rich and creamy.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a hint of molasses for warmth and complexity.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings a lovely aromatic sweetness that ties everything together.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses a cozy spice note that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds depth and subtle spice to the custard.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Drizzled on top for a golden, crisp finish.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving): A delicate dusting adds a pretty touch and extra sweetness.
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving): Classic accompaniment that elevates every bite.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Filling
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your casserole doesn’t stick. Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, scatter the cream cheese cubes and blueberries all over the bread—it’s those pockets of cream cheese and bursts of blueberries that make this dish so special. Finally, top with the remaining bread cubes. This layering guarantees every bite has a perfect balance of bread, cheese, and fruit.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth and fragrant. This custard mixture is where all the wonderful flavors meld and soak into the bread, creating that irresistible texture and taste you expect from a baked French toast.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the egg custard evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries. Press down gently on the bread cubes so they soak up plenty of custard—this step is key for ensuring a moist finish throughout. Drizzle the melted butter on top for a golden, crispy crust after baking. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let everything soak together and develop rich flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake it uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s puffed up, the center is set, and the top is lightly golden. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to finish setting perfectly.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a pretty snowy touch that’s as festive as it is delicious. For an extra indulgence, don’t forget the classic drizzle of warm maple syrup—this pairs beautifully with the tang of the cream cheese and the sweet burst of blueberries.
Side Dishes
Balancing this rich casserole with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad adds bright, refreshing contrast to your brunch plate. A side of crispy bacon or sausage can also bring a savory element to round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing brunch spread, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh blueberries for an elegant and festive look. You can even sprinkle toasted almonds on top before baking for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it tasting fresh, cover it properly to prevent it from drying out, and enjoy cold or reheated throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully before baking. Prepare as directed through the soaking step, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual for a convenient and impressive breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or place the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain that custardy texture without drying out the bread.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just scatter them frozen over the bread and cream cheese layers before soaking and baking.
Can I prepare this casserole the morning of serving?
You can, but for the best texture and flavor, it really shines with at least 4 hours of chilling or overnight soaking. This gives the bread time to absorb the custard and for the flavors to deepen wonderfully.
Is it necessary to use day-old bread?
Yes, using day-old French bread is key as it prevents the bread from becoming mushy when soaked. Fresh bread tends to absorb too much liquid and can fall apart in the casserole.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk or half-and-half. The texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
How can I add a crunchy topping?
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or a cinnamon streusel made from butter, brown sugar, and flour over the casserole just before baking. This adds a fantastic texture contrast to the soft custardy bread.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly a joy to make and eat. Its luscious custard, fresh blueberries, and melty cream cheese pockets come together to create a comforting, elegant breakfast that feels special yet simple. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself and your family, this casserole will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and get ready for your mornings to feel that much brighter!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful overnight breakfast dish that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with fresh blueberries and a custardy bread base. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, it’s an ideal brunch treat that balances sweetness with a hint of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping and Serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
- Layer the Bread Cubes: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish as the base layer.
- Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries: Scatter the cream cheese cubes and blueberries over the bread layer, distributing them evenly for bursts of flavor throughout the casserole.
- Top with Remaining Bread: Cover the cream cheese and blueberries with the remaining bread cubes to form a top layer.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread layers in the dish. Gently press down on the bread so it absorbs as much custard as possible.
- Add Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole for a rich finish.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, set in the center, and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- For extra texture, sprinkle sliced almonds or a streusel topping over the casserole before baking.
- Frozen blueberries can be used directly without thawing.
- Using day-old bread helps absorb more custard and prevents sogginess.
- Half-and-half can be substituted with whole milk based on preference.
