Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a sweet and fruity breakfast treat that’s perfect for a cozy morning. It’s packed with juicy blueberries, soft bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, and topped with a golden, slightly crispy crust. The combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures makes every bite a delight.
I love making this casserole when I have guests over or on a weekend when there’s extra time to relax. It’s so easy to prepare the night before, which means I wake up to a warm, delicious smell filling the kitchen and a stress-free morning waiting for me. The blueberries add a little burst of freshness that balances the rich custard beautifully.
We usually serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, which adds an extra touch of sweetness. Sometimes I pair it with a simple cup of coffee or orange juice for a bright and cheery breakfast. This casserole always brings smiles around the table and feels like a special way to start the day without too much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah gives a soft, slightly sweet base that soaks up the custard nicely. If you want a lighter option, use French bread or even day-old sandwich bread. Avoid very dense bread to keep it fluffy inside.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best for a juicy burst, but frozen can be used too—just thaw and drain well to avoid extra liquid. You can swap for raspberries or sliced strawberries for a different berry flavor.
Eggs & Dairy: Eggs create the rich custard, while whole milk and heavy cream add creaminess. For a lighter casserole, try using 2% milk and skip or reduce the cream. Non-dairy milk like almond or oat can replace dairy but may change the texture a bit.
Butter & Sugar: Melted butter on top helps brown the casserole and adds richness. You can use salted butter if that’s what you have, just skip extra salt in the custard. Granulated sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar or maple syrup if you want a natural sweetener.
How Do You Make Sure the French Toast Casserole Soaks Up the Custard Perfectly?
Getting the bread soaked just right is key for a creamy, tender casserole without soggy spots. Here’s how:
- Use slightly stale or day-old bread. It soaks custard better than fresh, reducing mushiness.
- Cut bread into uniform 1-inch cubes so it absorbs evenly.
- Add the egg and milk mixture slowly and press the bread gently to soak it through.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the custard sink deep into the bread.
- Before baking, drizzle butter and sugar on top to create a golden, slightly crisp crust.
Patience is what makes this casserole perfect—don’t rush the soaking time. You’ll be rewarded with a rich, custardy center and a nicely browned top every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I use this size because it holds all the ingredients comfortably and bakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking the custard mixture; any medium-sized bowl works well.
- Whisk or fork – I prefer a whisk to blend the eggs and liquids smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurement of ingredients, which makes the recipe turn out just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to cube the bread easily and uniformly.
- Spray or butter for greasing – so the casserole doesn’t stick and makes serving easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap blueberries for raspberries or sliced strawberries to change the fruit flavor and add different colors and textures.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness.
- Add a teaspoon of almond or coconut extract along with vanilla for a different aroma and flavor profile.
- Drop in some cream cheese cubes or a dollop on top before baking for a creamy, cheesy surprise.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (divided)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Time Needed to Make This Dish
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires at least 4 hours (or overnight) to soak in the refrigerator. Baking time is about 45-50 minutes. So plan ahead to let the bread soak fully and develop rich flavors before baking.
How To Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray. This will keep your casserole from sticking and help with easy serving later.
2. Layer Bread and Blueberries
Place half of the cubed bread into the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of fresh blueberries evenly over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes on top and scatter the remaining 1 cup of blueberries over it.
3. Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the pan. Press down gently on the bread to help it soak up the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it soak fully.
5. Bake the Casserole
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Cut into squares and serve warm. Add a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like. Enjoy this comforting and sweet breakfast treat with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the casserole, which can make it soggy.
Can I Prepare This French Toast Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Preparing it the night before allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, making the casserole extra flavorful and tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.
