If you’re anything like me, breakfast needs to be both delicious and simple—especially on the weekends. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole checks all the boxes. It’s sweet, hearty, and perfect for making ahead. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is secretly simple. I first whipped this up for a neighborhood brunch, and it’s been requested ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: Assemble it the night before and simply bake in the morning.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet blueberry flavor.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Simple ingredients create an indulgent dish.
- Great for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd and makes brunch stress-free.
- Customizable: Add nuts, different fruits, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
For this delicious casserole recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 9 medium eggs – The backbone of the casserole, providing structure and richness.
- 1 1/3 cups fresh blueberries – Adds a juicy burst of sweetness and color.
- 2 cups whole milk – Creates a creamy custard base for soaking the bread.
- 1 loaf French bread – Slightly stale bread works best to absorb the custard.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, sweet flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon– Adds a subtle citrusy note.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar – Sweetens the custard and helps caramelize the edges.
Topping
- 5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates a rich, buttery crumble.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Helps form the crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness with a molasses flavor.
Optional Add-Ons
- Extra blueberries – Sprinkle on top for more fruity goodness.
- Maple syrup – A classic drizzle for serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size for even baking.
- Large mixing bowl – To whisk together the custard.
- Whisk – Ensures the eggs and milk are well combined.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- Sharp knife – To cube the French bread evenly.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – For layering and mixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a couple of hours to dry out slightly—this helps it absorb the custard better. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, crack all 9 eggs and whisk them together until fully combined. Pour in the whole milk, then add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and light brown sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This custard will soak into the bread and create a soft, rich texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Slowly pour half of the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries in the baking dish, making sure to cover as much of the bread as possible. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries. Finally, pour the remaining custard evenly over everything. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press down, helping the bread absorb the liquid.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, add the unsalted butter (softened), ground cinnamon, flour, and dark brown sugar. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until you have a crumbly texture. This will create a golden, slightly crisp topping. Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the casserole.
Step 5: Refrigerate or Bake
For the best flavor and texture, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check doneness by inserting a knife in the middle—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly while still being warm and soft. For extra sweetness, top with fresh blueberries and drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious homemade blueberry French toast casserole!
Best Paired With
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light, refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage – For a savory balance.
- Hot Coffee or Iced Latte – Complements the sweet flavors perfectly.
Storage and Serving
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale bread for better custard absorption.
- Don’t skip the overnight soak for maximum flavor.
- Mix in nuts or swap blueberries for raspberries for variety.
- Cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly while baking.
Substitutes and Variations
- Milk: Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Bread: Brioche or challah makes a sweeter, richer base.
- Fruit: Swap blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries.
- Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
What Others Are Saying About The Recipe
Monalisa R. – “I made this for our Sunday brunch, and it was a huge hit! My kids loved the burst of blueberries in every bite, and I loved how easy it was to prep the night before.”
Yanna H. – “Perfect for a weekend brunch with friends. I added a handful of chopped pecans to the topping for some crunch, and it was delicious!”
Gem P. – “Such a cozy and comforting recipe! I swapped out the milk for almond milk, and it still turned out amazing. Will be making this again for the holidays.”
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf.
Do I have to let it sit overnight?
For the best texture and flavor, yes, but if you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 4 hours.
What’s the best bread to use?
French bread is ideal, but brioche or challah also work beautifully for a richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
Mornings can be chaotic, but recipes like this Blueberry French Toast Casserole bring a little calm to the chaos. It’s sweet, fluffy, and packed with juicy blueberries. Best part? You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. Fewer dishes, less stress, and more time for coffee!