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Craving a hassle-free, easy breakfast or brunch recipe? This Blueberry French Toast casserole is a delicious blend of creamy custard, warm cinnamon, and juicy blueberries soaked into perfectly cubed bread.

Baked hot, fresh, and to perfection- with flavors that come together to create a breakfast or brunch treat that everyone will love.

A white casserole dish filled with blueberry french toast casserole on a white table with a container of blueberries and cinnamon sicks set in the backdrop.

Breakfast Casseroles are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a simple breakfast or brunch recipe. Casseroles come together easily and can be made ahead of time.

This overnight breakfast casserole is no exception. Simply bake it the next morning so that it’s hot and fresh right before serving.

I love to serve this one on lazy weekends, for spring or summer breakfast, Mother’s Day brunch, on holiday mornings, or just when you have a crowd to feed.

Whether you have a busy day ahead, a special occasion like Christmas morning breakfast, or plain ole want a great breakfast; this overnight French toast casserole recipe is calling your name!

Ingredient Notes

A labeled image of ingredients needed to make blueberry french toast.
  • French Bread: You can use any type of French bread or a baguette for this recipe. Stale bread works best as it will absorb the custard mixture best.
  • Whole Milk: Whole milk provides a rich and creamy texture to the custard.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds extra richness to the dish. If you want a lighter version, you can replace it with half-and-half. Just keep in mind it won’t be as rich.
  • Light Brown Sugar: The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness. You can use less sugar if you prefer a less sweet casserole.
  • Eggs: Eggs are a crucial component of the custard mixture, providing a creamy and binding texture to the casserole.
  • Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the dish, giving it a warm and aromatic taste.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a delightful warmth and enhances the overall taste of the casserole. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Butter (Room Temperature): Softened butter is used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking. You could use spray, but the butter adds extra buttery flavor.
  • Blueberries (Fresh or Frozen): Blueberries are the star ingredient of this casserole, providing bursts of sweetness and a lovely color. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries, but if using frozen ones, try to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top of the casserole before baking to add a delicious crunch.
  • Fruit Variations: Instead of blueberries, you can use other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or a mix of your favorite fruits. Fresh or frozen fruits work well, just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.
  • Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices or spice blends like nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or pumpkin spice to add a different flavor profile to the casserole.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra creamy and tangy twist, drop small dollops of cream cheese throughout the casserole before baking. This makes a nice blueberry cheesecake french toast bake.

How To Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

Step 1 | Prep the Bread

Alright, let’s get started on this delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole!

First, you’ll need to prep the bread. Take a loaf of French bread and slice it into pieces. Then, cut each slice into thirds to create some yummy bread cubes. Spread these cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out for at least 8 hours overnight.

TIP: If you’re in a rush, dry out the bread in the oven: You can place the bread in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or until the bread is dried out. You do not want the bread to toast and get crunchy. This is to remove the moisture from the bread. You can also you day-old bread or bread that has already dried.

A french loaf sliced into cubes on a wooden cutting board.

Step 2 | Make French Toast Custard

In a large bowl, add the whole milk, heavy cream, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

A collage image shows custard ingredients in a bowl and being whisked.

Whisk everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes until you have a smooth and well-mixed custard. Once done, set it aside for a moment.

A white bowl filled with custard mixed together for blueberry french toast.

Step 3 | Prep Baking Dish and Add Ingredients

Next, butter up a 9×13 baking dish to prevent any sticking.

A collage image shows buttering casserole dish and dish after being buttered.

Take those dry bread cubes and transfer them to the prepared baking dish. Now, it’s time for the star of the show – the blueberries! Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the bread cubes in the dish.

A collage image of bread cubes added to casserole dish and then topped with blueberries.

Next, let’s bring everything together. Pour the delicious egg custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, ensuring each bread cube is nicely coated with the custard goodness.

The blueberry french toast casserole with custard poured in and ready to be baked.

Step 4 | Chill Casserole So It Sets Up or Overnight Soak

We’re almost there! Pop the covered baking dish into the fridge and let it chill overnight (or at least for 3 to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld and the casserole set up.

Step 5 | Bake French Toast Casserole

When you’re ready to enjoy this breakfast treat, take the baking dish out of the fridge and uncover it. Preheat your oven.

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake. If you notice the top getting a bit too brown, tent it with some aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark or burning on the top.

Step 6 | Let it Set & Enjoy

An up close overhead image of the blueberry french toast casserole in a white baking dish.

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This will give all those flavors a chance to come together.

If you like, you can drizzle some pure maple syrup over it or dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Now, it’s time to dig in and savor every bite of this mouthwatering Blueberry French Toast Casserole. Enjoy!

Tips

  • Evenly Soaked Bread: To ensure all the bread cubes are evenly soaked with the custard, gently press down on the bread and blueberries once the custard is poured over them. This will help the custard to penetrate the bread evenly.
  • Chilling Time: Allowing the casserole to chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight is essential. This not only allows the flavors to meld but also ensures a firmer and creamier texture.
  • Baking Time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, the thickness of the bread cubes, and the type of baking dish used. Check the casserole after 35 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly. The casserole should be golden brown on top and set in the middle.
  • Tenting with Foil: If you notice the top of the casserole getting too brown during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent over-browning while allowing the casserole to continue cooking.
A wooden spoon scooping out the casserole.

Recipe FAQs

Can I Add a Streusel Crumble Topping To The Casserole?

Yes. To make a crunchy streusel topping, use 7 tablespoons of cold butter, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup of flour (all-purpose flour or almond flour), and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. With clean hands, a fork, or a pastry tool, combine the ingredients until you have a crumble consistency. Sprinkle the streusel on top of the casserole before baking.

What Types Of Bread Can I Use?

I like to use sturdier bread. You can use sourdough bread, brioche, or challah bread. Be sure that the bread is very dry before baking, as bread that is too moist will result in a soggy casserole. This is the perfect thing to use up day-old or bread that is dried out.

Make Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead Option: The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, making it a fantastic option for stress-free breakfasts, brunches, or gatherings. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Just remember to take it out of the fridge while preheating the oven to bring it closer to room temperature before baking.

Storage: Cover with foil or plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Freeze: Cover with foil and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Remove from the freezer and thaw before warming.

Reheat: You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the pan in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Syrup being poured over a plate of blueberry french toast casserole.

What to Serve with Blueberry French Toast Bake

The casserole is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the deliciousness by serving it with pure maple syrup, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a creamy touch.

We love this for something sweet along with our savory overnight breakfast casserole, with sausage gravy, or chipped beef gravy. Round it out with banana bread or pumpkin bread for a complete breakfast or Sunday Brunch spread.

However you serve it, this casserole dish is a great way to enjoy the juicy blueberries of the season. 

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An up close overhead image of the blueberry french toast casserole in a white baking dish.
Recipe
5 from 13 votes

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Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Nikki Lee
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Mouthwatering Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the perfect balance of sweet custard, warm cinnamon, and bursts of juicy blueberries. The flavors come together to create a delicious breakfast or brunch that everyone will love.

Ingredients 

  • 1 loaf french bread, (12-16 ounces)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, (you can reduce if desired to adjust sweetness)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

Instructions

  • Prep & Cube Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into slices, then cut each slice into thirds. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet for at least 8 hours overnight so they dry out.  If you do not have time to leave the bread out, see the notes.
  • In a large bowl, add the whole milk, heavy cream, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together for 2-3 minutes or until fully mixed. Set aside.
  • Butter a 9×13 baking dish on the bottom and the sides.
  • Transfer the stale bread to the baking dish. Then top the bread evenly with the blueberries. Pour the egg custard over the bread and blueberries (being sure all the bread cubes are coated).
  • Chill Casserole to Set Up: Place the covered baking dish in the fridge overnight ( or at least for 3 to 24 hours).
  • Remove the baking dish from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven for 45-55 minutes uncovered. If the top starts to get too brown, tent with aluminum foil.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with syrup or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

To Dry Out Bread out in the Oven:  You can place the bread in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or until the bread is dried out. You do not want the bread to toast and get crunchy. This is to remove the moisture from the bread.
    You can also slightly leave the loaf wrapper opened the day before using to harden up the bread.
      • Evenly Soaked Bread: To ensure all the bread cubes are evenly soaked with the custard, gently press down on the bread and blueberries once the custard is poured over them. This will help the custard to penetrate the bread evenly.
      • Chilling Time: Allowing the casserole to chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight is essential. This not only allows the flavors to meld but also ensures a firmer and creamier texture.
      • Baking Time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, the thickness of the bread cubes, and the type of baking dish used. Check the casserole after 35 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly. The casserole should be golden brown on top and set in the middle.
      • Tenting with Foil: If you notice the top of the casserole getting too brown during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent over-browning while allowing the casserole to continue cooking.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving Calories: 275kcal (14%) Carbohydrates: 37g (12%) Protein: 9g (18%) Fat: 10g (15%) Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0.03g Cholesterol: 116mg (39%) Sodium: 360mg (16%) Potassium: 188mg (5%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 20g (22%) Vitamin A: 447IU (9%) Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) Calcium: 104mg (10%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

Nutritional Disclaimer

Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

©️Soulfully Made

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Nikki Lee author of Soulfully Made in the kitchen serving cupcakes.

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Nikki Lee. Here at Soulfully Made you will find delicious, home-cooked, easy recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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17 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This was AMAZING!! I am not a big breakfast person, but even I had two helpings! Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply

  4. 5 stars
    Made for our church potluck, I never even got any, it was gone in a flash and everyone asked about the recipe.

    Reply

  5. 5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! I’m giving my daughter the recipe so she can make it for her in-laws next weekend.

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    So glad I found this recipe! Used my fresh blueberries and fed it to the whole family for brunch. Everyone loved it!

    Reply

  8. 5 stars
    I just wanted to stop by and say that we are making this recipe again for this weekends brunch, absolutely delicious recipe!

    Reply