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.