This Blueberry French toast casserole is a cozy and sweet treat! Made with soft bread, juicy blueberries, and a creamy egg mixture, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
You can whip it up the night before and bake it in the morning—talk about a time-saver! I love serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup to make it extra yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: French bread is great for this dish, offering a soft texture that soaks up the egg mixture well. If you don’t have French bread, you can use challah or brioche for a slightly sweeter option.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are wonderful, but frozen ones can also work if fresh aren’t available. Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing to keep the casserole from becoming too soggy.
Cream Cheese: I like using full-fat cream cheese for a creamier texture. Light cream cheese can be used too, but it may not be as rich. If you want a non-dairy option, choose a vegan cream cheese substitute.
Milk: Any type of milk works—whole, almond, or oat milk all do well. If you want a richer taste, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead.
Eggs: Large eggs are a must! You can use an egg substitute if you’re vegetarian, following the equivalent measurement on the packaging.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Soaks Up All the Egg Mixture?
The soaking step is crucial for blending flavors and getting that soft texture. After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, gently press it down so that every piece soaks. If you’re patient, let it rest for 30 minutes, or even better, refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- Use a spatula to lightly press the bread after pouring the mixture.
- Check for dryness on top; if it looks too dry, drizzle a bit more milk over it.
How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 12-16 ounces), cut into cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional For Serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-50 minutes of bake time. If you choose to refrigerate it overnight, that adds some waiting time but pays off with extra flavor! Altogether, it’s an easy dish you can prepare ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have the oven ready when you put the casserole in!
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking. Then, evenly distribute the cubed French bread in the dish. Make sure the pieces are spread out nicely.
3. Add the Blueberries:
Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the cubed bread. This will give your casserole a lovely fruity flavor!
4. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. If it’s a bit thick, you can add a few tablespoons of milk to make it easier to blend. Once smooth, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread and blueberries. Don’t worry about spreading it out perfectly—some lumps are just fine!
5. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. This mixture is what will soak into the bread and give it that delicious French toast flavor.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberry layers. Press down gently on the bread to help it soak up all that yummy liquid.
7. Let It Rest:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. If you want to prepare it the night before, you can refrigerate it instead for even tastier results!
8. Bake the Casserole:
After resting, remove the foil and place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let your casserole cool slightly. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar if you’d like to add a touch of sweetness. Enjoy it warm for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! While French bread works well, you can use challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread for different flavors and textures. Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold up to the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Frozen blueberries work just as well but do not thaw them before using. Just toss them directly onto the bread cubes; they’ll release some moisture while baking, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
How Can I Make This Casserole Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. Ensure the eggs are replaced with an appropriate egg substitute if needed, such as flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg).
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top again before serving for a fresh look!
