Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, sweet blueberries mingling with the comforting scent of baked bread. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience! I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

French toast, in its various forms, has graced breakfast tables for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was a clever way to use up stale bread. Over time, different cultures have added their own unique twists, and this Blueberry French Toast Casserole is my modern take on a classic.

What makes this casserole so special? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The bread soaks up a rich, custard-like mixture, creating a soft and tender base. Then, the juicy blueberries burst with sweetness, adding a delightful contrast. But the best part? It’s incredibly convenient! You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, leaving you free to enjoy your coffee and a relaxing start to the day. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredible taste, makes this Blueberry French Toast Casserole a winner in my book. I know you’ll love it too!

Ingredients:

1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
4 cups fresh blueberries, divided
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Optional: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, for serving

Preparing the Casserole:

Prepare the Bread: First, we need to get our bread ready. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly dried out. This step is crucial because it prevents the casserole from becoming soggy. Keep a close eye on them, you don’t want them to brown too much! Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved. This custard base is what will soak into the bread and give our casserole that delicious, creamy texture.
Assemble the Casserole: Now, it’s time to put everything together. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place half of the dried bread cubes in the prepared dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of the fresh blueberries evenly over the bread. Then, top with the remaining bread cubes.
Pour the Custard: Gently pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Use a spatula or spoon to press down lightly on the bread to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard. This will allow the bread to absorb all that wonderful flavor.
Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and flour. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This crumble topping adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the top of the casserole.
Add the Crumble and Blueberries: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the custard-soaked bread. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of fresh blueberries over the crumble topping. This ensures that every bite is bursting with blueberry goodness.
Chill (Optional, but Recommended): For the best results, cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the casserole will be even better if you let it chill.

Baking the Casserole:

Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator (if chilled) and bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set up a bit more and prevents it from being too runny.

Serving and Enjoying:

Serve: Cut the Blueberry French Toast Casserole into squares and serve warm.
Optional Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would also be delicious!
Enjoy! This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Tips and Variations:

Bread Choice: While challah, brioche, and French bread are all excellent choices, you can also use other types of bread, such as croissants or even day-old cinnamon rolls. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale so it can absorb the custard properly.
Berry Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. A mixed berry casserole would be absolutely delicious!
Nut Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra flavor and crunch.
Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the custard mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the casserole along with the blueberries.
Make-Ahead Instructions: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Storage Instructions: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this casserole gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk or soy milk for the whole milk and heavy cream. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the melted butter in the crumble topping.

Troubleshooting:

Casserole is too soggy: Make sure you dry out the bread cubes in the oven before assembling the casserole. This will help prevent it from becoming too soggy. Also, don’t oversoak the bread in the custard.
Topping is burning: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Custard is not setting: Make sure you bake the casserole long enough for the custard to set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the custard is still runny after 55 minutes, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
Casserole is too dry: If the casserole seems dry, you can add a little more milk to the custard mixture. Also, make sure you don’t overbake it.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories: 450-550 per serving
Fat: 25-35g
Saturated Fat: 15-20g
Cholesterol: 150-200mg
Sodium: 200-300mg
Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Sugar: 30-40g
Protein: 10-15g

Why This Recipe Works:

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole recipe is a winner for several reasons:

Make-Ahead Convenience: The ability to assemble the casserole the night before makes it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
Customizable: The recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can change the type of bread, berries, or add-ins to create your own unique version.
Delicious Flavor and Texture: The combination of the creamy custard, sweet blueberries, and crunchy crumble topping creates a delightful flavor and texture that everyone will love.
Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is a guaranteed hit at brunches, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.

Serving Suggestions:

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your brunch:

Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Bacon or Sausage

Conclusion:

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend experience waiting to happen. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a serious wow factor, look no further. The combination of the custardy bread, the burst of juicy blueberries, and that hint of cinnamon is simply divine. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

But what truly makes this casserole a must-try is its versatility. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch, a holiday gathering, or even a potluck. Imagine serving this warm, fragrant casserole on Christmas morning the aroma alone will fill your home with holiday cheer! And the best part? You can prep it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. Talk about stress-free!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! For a truly decadent experience, top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of maple syrup is, of course, a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other toppings. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch, while a dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful presentation.

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations:

* Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Add the zest of one lemon to the egg mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
* Cream Cheese Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Swirl dollops of softened cream cheese into the casserole before baking for an extra creamy and tangy flavor.
* Strawberry Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Add sliced strawberries along with the blueberries for a mixed berry delight.
* Chocolate Chip Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top before baking for a touch of chocolatey goodness.

Honestly, the beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adapt it to your own preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings.

I truly believe that this Blueberry French Toast Casserole will become a staple in your breakfast repertoire. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s absolutely delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience breakfast bliss!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What toppings did you use? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your Blueberry French Toast Casserole adventures! Happy baking!

Blueberry French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Challah bread casserole with creamy custard, sweet blueberries, and a buttery crumble. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Prep Time20 minutes

Cook Time55 minutes

Total Time75

Category: Breakfast

Yield: 9-12 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients

1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

8 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of salt

4 cups fresh blueberries, divided

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Optional: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, until lightly dried. Let cool slightly.

Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place half the bread cubes in the dish. Sprinkle 2 cups blueberries over the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.

Pour the Custard: Gently pour custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press down lightly to ensure bread is submerged.

Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and flour. Mix until mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Add the Crumble and Blueberries: Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the custard-soaked bread. Sprinkle remaining 2 cups blueberries over the crumble topping.

Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake: Remove casserole from refrigerator (if chilled) and bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Cover loosely with foil if topping browns too quickly.

Cool Slightly: Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm.

Optional Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.

Notes

Bread Choice: Challah, brioche, and French bread are excellent choices. You can also use croissants or day-old cinnamon rolls.

Berry Variations: Substitute or add other berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.

Nut Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the custard mixture.

Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the casserole along with the blueberries.

Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.

Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk or soy milk for the whole milk and heavy cream. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the melted butter in the crumble topping.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe