Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Short Description

Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a rich and indulgent breakfast dish made with layers of bread, fresh blueberries, and a luscious cream cheese filling. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, this casserole is perfect for special occasions, brunches, or a weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A delicious combination of sweet and creamy flavors
• Perfect for making ahead for a stress-free morning
• A great way to use up stale bread
• Customizable with different fruits and flavors
• Ideal for holiday breakfasts and brunch gatherings

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread (French bread, brioche, or challah)
• Cream cheese
• Fresh blueberries
• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut bread into cubes and place half in a greased baking dish.
2. Add Cream Cheese & Blueberries: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and scatter over the bread. Add a layer of fresh blueberries.
3. Add Second Layer: Top with the remaining bread cubes and more blueberries.
4. Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
5. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set.
8. Serve: Let cool slightly, then top with maple syrup or powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2+ hours (or overnight)
• Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: About 3 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Berry Blend: Use a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add a handful of chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a French toast-meets-cinnamon roll experience.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk and cream cheese alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! No need to thaw them—just add directly to the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerating overnight allows the bread to absorb the custard for the best texture.

What type of bread works best?

French bread, brioche, or challah work well as they soak up the custard without becoming mushy.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

Yes! It will still be delicious, but the cream cheese adds extra creaminess.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover with foil while baking and remove for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.

Can I add nuts or streusel topping?

Absolutely! A streusel topping with brown sugar, butter, and flour adds extra texture.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, honey or maple syrup can be used in place of granulated sugar.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be set and not overly jiggly when gently shaken.

Can I make individual servings?

Yes! Bake in ramekins for personal-sized portions.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh whipped cream for the best experience.

Conclusion

Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is an easy yet elegant breakfast dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether for a special brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

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