Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat that combines soft, custardy bread with the juicy burst of fresh blueberries. It’s like having French toast and a berry-filled dessert all in one warm, comforting dish. The golden top has just the right amount of crispness, making each bite a perfect mix of tender and crunchy.
I love making this casserole for weekend mornings when I want something easy to prepare ahead of time but still special enough to feel like a holiday. The blueberries add a natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color that everyone in the family enjoys. One of my favorite little touches is to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top before baking—it adds such a cozy, inviting aroma to the kitchen.
Serving this with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar makes it feel like a breakfast celebration. I find it pairs nicely with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. Plus, leftovers warm up beautifully, which means you can enjoy a second helping the next day without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah is great for this recipe because they soak up the custard but stay soft inside. If you can’t find them, use any thick, sturdy bread like French bread or Texas toast.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries give a lovely burst of flavor. Frozen ones work, too—just don’t thaw them fully to avoid sogginess.
Eggs & Dairy: Eggs create the custard base, giving richness and hold. Whole milk and heavy cream add creaminess. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or use all milk without cream.
Vanilla & Cinnamon: These add warm, comforting notes. If you’re short on cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can work well.
How Do You Get the Perfect Custard Soak in French Toast Casserole?
Letting the bread soak in the egg and milk mixture is key for soft, custardy texture throughout. Here’s my tip:
- After pouring custard over the bread, press gently with a spatula so all cubes get coated.
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 15 minutes before baking. This time lets the bread absorb the custard fully.
- If you want to prep ahead, cover and refrigerate it overnight for an even richer soak.
This soaking step ensures the edges crisp up nicely while the inside stays soft and tender—just the way French toast should be!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I use this size to hold all the bread and blueberries snugly without overflowing.
- Large mixing bowl – for whisking the custard ingredients together easily.
- Whisk or fork – makes blending the eggs, milk, and spices smooth and quick.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help get the right amount of each ingredient.
- Spatula – for spreading the bread evenly and pressing it into the custard.
- Oven – of course, to bake your breakfast casserole to golden perfection.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap blueberries for sliced strawberries or raspberries for a different fruity burst—alternatives work just as well!
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the custard for a citrusy twist.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for some crunch.
- Mix in chocolate chips or a dollop of cream cheese between layers if you want a richer, indulgent version.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bread and Fruit:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish if desired)
Custard Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Extras:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 15 minutes of preparation time, including cubing the bread and mixing the custard. Then, allow the casserole to sit for 15 minutes to soak in the custard before baking. Baking will take about 45 to 55 minutes, so the total time needed is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using butter or non-stick spray to keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Layer the Bread and Blueberries:
Spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries over the bread. Then layer the remaining bread cubes on top followed by the rest of the blueberries.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour Custard and Soak:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Use a spatula to gently press the bread cubes down, helping them to soak up the custard fully. Let the dish sit for about 15 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
5. Bake Your Casserole:
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole puffs up, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool a few minutes. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and extra fresh blueberries for a delightful breakfast treat.
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer without thawing them to prevent extra moisture. Just sprinkle them evenly over the bread layers as usual.
Can I Prepare the Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This gives the bread extra time to soak up the custard, making it even more flavorful and tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Cover any leftover casserole and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What Bread Works Best for This Casserole?
Brioche or challah is ideal because of their soft, rich texture that soaks up the custard beautifully. If you don’t have those, thick-sliced French bread or Texas toast will also work well.