This blueberry French toast casserole is a lovely morning treat! Soft bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture and studded with juicy blueberries makes for a delightful dish that’s great for brunch.
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and your house will smell amazing while it bakes! 🍞💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah bread gives a soft texture. If you want something lighter, use white or whole wheat bread. Gluten-free bread also works well if you have gluten concerns.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
Heavy cream: For a lighter version, substitute whole milk for the heavy cream. This will still keep the custard rich without the extra calories.
Eggs: Large eggs are the standard. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use a mixture of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg.
Sugar: You can lower the sugar amount if you prefer; maple syrup or honey makes a good natural substitute.
How Do You Make the Perfect Egg Mixture?
Getting the egg mixture just right is key to a creamy casserole. Start by whisking eggs and then steadily add in milk and cream for a smooth mix.
- Make sure not to skip whisking completely to incorporate air—it helps create a fluffy texture.
- Let the mixture soak into the bread for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the flavors.
Another tip is to gently press down on the bread with a spatula after pouring the egg mixture over it. This ensures every piece is soaked evenly.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 12 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This blueberry French toast casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 45-50 minutes to bake. If you decide to let it sit overnight in the fridge, that will enhance the flavors and textures, but it does mean you’ll need to prepare it a bit ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter or non-stick spray so that the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Assemble the Bread and Blueberries:
Spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries. This layered approach makes for a pretty and tasty casserole!
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Make sure it’s all mixed well and nice and smooth.
4. Combine the Mixture with the Bread:
Pour your egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberry layers in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread so that it soaks up as much of the custard as possible.
5. Let It Rest:
Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, cover it and put it in the fridge overnight. This will allow the flavors to develop beautifully.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the middle.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and top with extra fresh blueberries. Don’t forget to drizzle with some warm maple syrup for that extra sweetness!
8. Enjoy!
Serve it warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy start to your day!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are great choices for their soft texture, you can also use white or whole wheat bread. Just remember that denser breads may result in a heartier casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead dish! Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking the next morning.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the casserole. This helps prevent the custard from becoming watery.
