Blueberry French Toast Casserole | Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast
Waking up to the aroma of baked French toast infused with juicy blueberries feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. Blueberry French Toast Casserole is more than just breakfast—it’s comfort food with a touch of elegance. Imagine soft, custardy bread layered with bursts of tangy blueberries, topped with a golden, slightly crisp finish. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you want to impress family, surprise guests at brunch, or simply treat yourself on a weekend morning.
What makes this casserole especially appealing is its balance of convenience and flavor. Unlike traditional French toast that requires you to stand by the stove flipping slices one by one, this baked version allows you to prepare everything in advance and let the oven do the work. That means more time for coffee, conversation, and enjoying the company around the table. Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast or a simple weekend indulgence, this recipe is both approachable and rewarding.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a breakdown of the ingredients along with their approximate calorie count per serving portion:
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Brioche or challah bread, cubed | 1 loaf (about 12 cups) | 1,200 |
| Fresh blueberries | 2 cups | 160 |
| Eggs | 8 large | 560 |
| Whole milk | 2 cups | 300 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 400 |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 385 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 25 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Maple syrup (for serving) | ¼ cup | 210 |
| Powdered sugar (optional garnish) | 2 tbsp | 60 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the bread base
- Cut brioche or challah bread into bite-sized cubes. If possible, use slightly stale bread as it absorbs the custard mixture better.
- Layer the casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half the bread cubes in the dish, sprinkle with half the blueberries, then repeat with the remaining bread and berries.
- Whisk the custard mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour and soak
- Evenly pour the custard over the layered bread and berries. Lightly press down the bread cubes to help them soak up the liquid.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Bake to perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove casserole from the fridge, uncover, and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Serve warm
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts on top before baking.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use low-fat milk.
- Boost flavor: Add lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy touch.
- Go seasonal: Replace blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or even diced apples in the fall.
- Make it ahead: Prepare everything the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~330 |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Serving Suggestions
Blueberry French Toast Casserole shines on its own, but you can elevate it even further:
- Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast.
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Offer different toppings like whipped cream, lemon glaze, or extra berries to let guests personalize their plates.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
10
servings15
minutes50
minutes330
kcalIngredients
1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 12 cups)
2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, unthawed)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup maple syrup (for serving)
2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional garnish)
Directions
- Prepare bread: Cut bread into cubes and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer: Spread half the bread cubes in the dish, sprinkle with half the blueberries, then repeat with the remaining bread and berries.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Soak: Pour the custard evenly over the bread and blueberries. Gently press bread to soak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and set in the middle.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Best bread choice: Slightly stale brioche or challah works best because it absorbs the custard without turning mushy.
Overnight soak: Letting the casserole rest overnight gives the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
Using frozen berries: No need to thaw; just add them straight in to avoid excess liquid.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly. Just add them directly to the casserole without thawing to prevent extra liquid from making the dish soggy.
2. How far in advance can I prepare the casserole?
You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake it the next morning.
3. What type of bread works best?
Rich, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or French bread hold up well to the custard mixture and provide the best texture. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option.
5. Can I freeze blueberry French toast casserole?
Yes! Bake, cool completely, and freeze in individual portions or as a whole. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
6. How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for the dairy, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Choose a dairy-free bread to keep it fully dairy-free.
7. What can I serve with blueberry French toast casserole?
It pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey also enhances the flavors.
Conclusion
Blueberry French Toast Casserole brings together everything we love about a special breakfast—rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and an easy preparation method that leaves you free to enjoy the moment. The combination of fluffy bread, creamy custard, and juicy blueberries feels indulgent yet homey, making it just as fitting for a weekend brunch as for a festive holiday morning. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your own twist, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your table.
