Name: Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups French loaf (stale sourdough or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries; 5 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; Additional fresh blueberries; Powdered sugar; Maple syrup

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then this Blueberry French Toast Casserole is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy blueberries nestled between fluffy, custardy bread cubes and crowned with a perfectly crunchy topping, this dish transforms traditional French toast into a no-fuss baked sensation. It’s a wonderfully vibrant way to start your morning or impress your brunch guests with something both simple and spectacular.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Blueberry French Toast Casserole plays an essential role, creating a balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make the dish stand out. From the tangy lemon zest that brightens the custard to the cinnamon-spiced sugar topping that adds crunch, each component is simple but crucial.

French loaf (sourdough or challah), 10 cups: Using day-old bread ensures it soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
Blueberries, 1 1/2 cups: These burst with juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich custard.
Large eggs, 5: The eggs provide structure and that classic custardy French toast texture.
Whole milk, 1 1/2 cups: Milk adds creaminess and helps make the custard silky smooth.
Granulated sugar, 1/3 cup: Sweetens the custard gently without overpowering the blueberries.
Lemon zest from one lemon: Adds a fresh, citrusy lift that brightens every bite.
Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon (plus 1 teaspoon for topping): Warming spice that brings depth to the custard and topping.
Salt, 1/4 teaspoon (plus a pinch for topping): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted butter, 8 tablespoons (melted): Used in the topping for a rich, golden crust.
Brown sugar, 4 tablespoons: Adds a caramel note to the crunchy topping.
Powdered sugar, for garnish: Adds a pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness.
Maple syrup, for serving: Classic drizzle that complements the entire dish.

How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Blueberries

Start by cutting your French loaf into 1-inch cubes. The size is just right for soaking up the custard without losing shape. In your baking dish, add half of these bread cubes and half of the blueberries, spreading them out evenly. Then layer the remaining bread and blueberries on top, creating a perfect marbled effect.

Step 2: Mix and Pour the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the whole milk, granulated sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt, then combine everything thoroughly. Pour this fragrant custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries to ensure every cube soaks up that luscious flavor.

Step 3: Refrigerate to Soak

Cover your casserole with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. This soak time, ideally 3 hours or overnight, allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in that dreamy, custardy texture you crave.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the center. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 5: Make and Spread the Topping

Mix the melted butter with the brown sugar, additional cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the casserole, creating a sweet, spiced crust that will caramelize beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Bake your Blueberry French Toast Casserole for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and delectably crunchy. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing beats a dusting of powdered sugar to make your casserole look irresistible, plus extra fresh blueberries scattered on top for a pop of vibrant color and juicy bursts. A generous drizzle of maple syrup over each slice adds that familiar, comforting sweetness that ties everything together.

Side Dishes

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. For lighter options, try fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness and add different textures to your brunch plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this casserole in a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse vibe or in individual ramekins for charming, personalized portions. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts on top for extra crunch or add a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence factor and impress your guests even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Blueberry French Toast Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying breakfast throughout the week without extra effort.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this casserole well in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole up through step 3 (before baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place the entire dish in a 350-degree oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps bring back the custardy softness while keeping the topping crisp.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for the Blueberry French Toast Casserole?

Absolutely! While sourdough and challah are excellent choices for their texture and flavor, you can also experiment with brioche or whole wheat bread. Just ensure it’s day-old or stale so it soaks up the custard perfectly.

Is it possible to make this Blueberry French Toast Casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the topping. The casserole will still taste delicious and creamy with a slight twist.

How long can I soak the casserole before baking?

It’s best to soak it for at least 3 hours for full custard absorption, but letting it soak overnight in the fridge gives the most tender and flavorful results. Just make sure to cover tightly to avoid drying out.

Can I add other fruits besides blueberries?

Feel free to get creative! Raspberries, sliced strawberries, or even diced apples work well in this casserole. Just adjust the sugar slightly if your fruit is particularly sweet or tart to keep the balance perfect.

What if I don’t have maple syrup for serving?

No worries! You can drizzle honey, agave nectar, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar as alternatives. Each option adds its own sweet touch without overshadowing the flavors inside the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole has become one of my all-time favorite breakfast treats to share with friends and family because it delivers so much joy in every bite. Whether for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion, it’s easy to prepare ahead, looks beautiful on the table, and tastes even better than it looks. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your breakfast repertoire.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (including soaking time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful baked breakfast dish featuring cubes of stale French bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon-egg custard with fresh blueberries. Topped with a buttery cinnamon brown sugar crumble, it’s perfect for a make-ahead brunch or special occasion morning treat, served warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and extra blueberries.

Instructions

Prepare the bread: Cut the stale French bread into 1-inch cubes for better absorption of the custard mixture.
Assemble bread and blueberries: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly distribute half of the bread cubes and half of the blueberries, then layer the remaining bread cubes and blueberries on top.
Mix custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center.
Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Add topping: Drizzle the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the soaked casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crunchy, and the custard is fully set.
Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let it set.
Serve: Sprinkle with powdered sugar, add more fresh blueberries on top, and serve with maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat.

Notes

Using stale bread is key; it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy.
Challah or sourdough bread works best due to their texture and flavor.
You can prepare this casserole the night before for a convenient make-ahead breakfast.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
Feel free to substitute blueberries with other seasonal berries or fruits.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American