A sweet, tangy, and creamy breakfast casserole loaded with juicy blueberries and golden, buttery bread cubes. This easy make-ahead dish is perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or any morning that calls for something special.
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Why You’ll Love This Blueberry French Toast Casserole
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is your go-to breakfast when you want something special without the fuss. It’s easy to prepare ahead, making busy mornings smoother. Each bite brings a perfect mix of crispy top and creamy, custardy center that melts in your mouth. The hint of lemon zest adds brightness, while the juicy blueberries bring a burst of freshness.
You’ll also love how versatile this dish is. Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping for a holiday breakfast, or feeding a hungry family, it always impresses. It’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Best of all, it’s simple, affordable, and always delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for this cozy breakfast bake. Start with rustic bread, cut into cubes, and let it dry slightly for the best texture. Add plump blueberries—fresh or frozen both work perfectly. The creamy custard comes from eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and sugar, with a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
A little butter adds richness, and the sugar topping gives that irresistible golden crunch. If you only have frozen blueberries, use them straight from the freezer to prevent bleeding. Day-old bread helps soak up all that lovely custard without getting soggy. Simple, wholesome, and full of flavor—just how breakfast should be.
How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer the Bread
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add half of the bread cubes evenly, then sprinkle with two-thirds of the blueberries. Next, layer the remaining bread and top with the rest of the berries.
Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, 6 tablespoons of sugar, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the base of your creamy custard.
Combine and Soak
Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture, making sure every piece gets coated. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the liquid without crushing the blueberries. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
Bake Until Golden
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. If your casserole was chilled, let it come to room temperature first. Sprinkle the top with the remaining sugar and dot with butter. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and slightly crisp on top.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Then, serve it warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or extra blueberries on top. It’s rich, cozy, and guaranteed to make any morning brighter.
Tips for the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Use slightly stale bread for better texture—it holds the custard beautifully without getting mushy. Keep frozen blueberries unthawed to prevent the color from bleeding into the custard. Also, don’t skip the soaking time; it helps create that soft, creamy inside and crispy top.
You can adjust sweetness to taste by adding or reducing sugar. For extra flavor, mix in cinnamon or nutmeg. Using specialty breads like cinnamon swirl or brioche adds a bakery-style twist. These small tweaks make your casserole truly your own.
Bread and Fruit Variations
This recipe is flexible and fun to customize. Try brioche for a rich, buttery texture, or use cinnamon swirl or raisin bread for natural sweetness. Hawaiian rolls add a soft, slightly tropical note that pairs well with blueberries.
For fruit swaps, go seasonal with raspberries, strawberries, or even tart cranberries. Dried fruits like raisins or currants work great too. You can mix and match to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge—every version is delicious.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply warm slices in the microwave until heated through. The texture stays creamy and soft, just like freshly baked.
To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave on low power. Reheat until warm and golden. This makes it a handy make-ahead breakfast for busy weeks.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Serve your Blueberry French Toast Casserole with crisp bacon or savory sausage for a satisfying balance. A simple fruit salad or fresh orange slices make it lighter and brighter. Pair it with hot coffee, tea, or a tall glass of fresh orange juice for the perfect morning meal.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Brioche French Toast Casserole
- French Toast Roll-Ups for a quick morning treat
- Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes recipe
- Banana Oat Muffins – healthy and filling
- Brown Sugar Overnight Oats for a no-cook breakfast
- Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast – quick breakfast fix
FAQs About Blueberry French Toast Casserole
How to know when French toast casserole is done?
It’s ready when the top is golden and puffed, and the center feels set when lightly pressed.
What to serve with blueberry French toast casserole?
It pairs beautifully with bacon, sausage, or a light fruit salad for a balanced meal.
What are common mistakes when making French toast casserole?
Using fresh bread can make it soggy. Not soaking long enough or overbaking can also affect texture.
How to make a blueberry French toast?
Layer bread and blueberries, pour over custard, soak, then bake until golden. Simple and delicious every time.
Conclusion
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is pure comfort in a dish. With its mix of creamy custard, juicy blueberries, and buttery bread, it’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table smiling. You can prepare it the night before, bake it fresh in the morning, and enjoy a warm, cozy meal with minimal effort. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite. For more breakfast inspiration, check out my latest ideas on Pinterest.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish Use glass or ceramic for even baking.
- Large mixing bowl For whisking the custard mixture.
- Whisk To blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons Ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Oven Preheated to 350°F for best results.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rustic bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 1½ to 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen, not thawed)
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly, sprinkle with two-thirds of the blueberries, then top with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, 6 tablespoons sugar, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the liquid without crushing the berries. Let soak for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring the casserole to room temperature if chilled. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and dot with butter. Bake for about 45 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy warm!
