Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you love cozy breakfasts that bring a burst of fresh flavor and comforting warmth, this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite weekend treat. Combining the tender, custardy texture of soaked French bread with juicy bursts of blueberries and a touch of warm spices, this dish elevates classic French toast into a shareable, make-ahead masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a special morning, this casserole is a delightful way to start your day with sweetness, spice, and all the indulgence you deserve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role. From the soft French bread that creates a fluffy base to the fresh blueberries for pops of natural sweetness, every item is essential to building the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your dish.

  • French bread: Use a sturdy loaf cut into cubes; it soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
  • Fresh blueberries: These add juicy bursts of flavor and a lovely pop of color throughout the casserole.
  • Eggs: The backbone of the custard, eggs provide structure and richness.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps lighten the custard.
  • Heavy cream: Elevates the custard’s texture for an ultra-luxurious bite.
  • Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the custard mix.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors with a subtle aromatic note.
  • Ground cinnamon: Offers a cozy, familiar spice that complements the blueberries perfectly.
  • Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds complexity and richness to the spice blend.
  • Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors in the dish.
  • Butter: Melted and drizzled on top for a golden, crispy finish.
  • Powdered sugar: Optional, for a pretty dusting when serving.

How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray ensures the casserole won’t stick and helps achieve a nice crust. Next, spread those lovely cubes of French bread evenly across the dish—this is going to be the cozy bed for our blueberries!

Step 2: Add the Blueberries

Sprinkle the fresh blueberries over the bread cubes, making sure they are evenly distributed. This will create delightful pockets of fruity goodness baked right into every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This fragrant, velvety custard is the magic that transforms humble bread into a soft, rich breakfast casserole.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture gently over the bread and blueberries, making sure every cube is soaked. Press the bread down lightly to help it absorb all those luscious flavors. This soaking step is what makes the dish melt-in-your-mouth irresistible!

Step 5: Refrigerate to Set

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or even better, overnight. This resting time allows the bread to soak up all the custard completely, so every bite is perfectly tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Ready to Bake

When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it warm up at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the casserole cook evenly, giving you a beautiful golden top without a soggy center.

Step 7: Add Butter and Bake

Drizzle the melted butter all over the top—it adds richness and ensures a crisp, golden crust forms during baking. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is a gorgeous, inviting golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool a bit before serving so it slices nicely. If you like, dust it with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and offer extra maple syrup on the table for drizzling.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe even further. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while fresh blueberries on top echo that burst of fruity freshness. For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make breakfast feel like dessert.

Side Dishes

Complement your casserole with sides that balance its sweetness. Crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausage offers salty contrast, while a fresh fruit salad adds brightness and variety to the meal. A cup of hot coffee or freshly brewed tea rounds out the morning perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, serve the casserole family-style in the baking dish with colorful plates and utensils nearby. Alternatively, cut individual squares and layer them on pretty serving platters topped with more fresh berries and a drizzle of syrup. You could even use mini ramekins for single servings, perfect for an elegant touch or a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe, no worries! Store them covered in the refrigerator, and they should keep fresh for up to three days. The flavors often taste even better the next day after sitting together.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the baked casserole wrapped tightly in foil or in airtight containers. Frozen pieces will maintain quality for about one to two months. When you want a quick breakfast, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftovers warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds or until heated through. For a crispier texture on top, pop the portions in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well in this casserole; just be sure to thaw and drain them slightly to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish soggy.

What kind of bread is best for this casserole?

French bread is ideal because of its sturdy texture and ability to soak up the custard without falling apart. You can also experiment with challah or brioche for a richer flavor.

How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?

For best results, refrigerate the soaked casserole between 2 hours and overnight. This soak time lets the custard fully absorb into the bread, creating that signature soft texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for greasing and drizzling.

Can I add other fruits or toppings?

Definitely! Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches complement blueberries beautifully, and sprinkling chopped nuts on top adds a lovely crunch.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about waking up to a warm, fragrant Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe on the table. It’s a dish that feels like a gentle morning hug, brimming with flavor and made all the more memorable by how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. Whether for a holiday brunch or a leisurely weekend breakfast, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’re in for a sweet, satisfying treat that your friends and family will adore as much as you do.

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Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 69 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling time
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful baked breakfast dish featuring cubed French bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and studded with fresh blueberries. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings, it offers a comforting blend of creamy textures and sweet, fruity flavors with a golden, buttery crust.


Ingredients

Bread and Fruit

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for serving)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange Bread and Blueberries: Evenly spread the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle fresh blueberries over the top to distribute fruit throughout the casserole.
  3. Prepare Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful custard base.
  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread absorbs the custard for maximum flavor and moisture.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture.
  6. Bring to Room Temperature: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure even baking.
  7. Add Butter and Bake: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole, then bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.

Notes

  • For best results, soak the casserole overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
  • You can substitute blueberries with other fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or strawberries.
  • Use day-old French bread for better absorption of the custard.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.
  • Ensure the casserole is baked thoroughly so it sets in the center to avoid a soggy texture.

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