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Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 28 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
  2. Layer the Bread Cubes: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish as the base layer.
  3. 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.
  4. Top with Remaining Bread: Cover the cream cheese and blueberries with the remaining bread cubes to form a top layer.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole for a rich finish.
  8. 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.
  9. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. 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.
  11. 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.