This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with the sweetness of fresh blueberries. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is easy to assemble and packed with comforting flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for making ahead, saving time on busy mornings
- A great way to use up leftover bread
- The creamy, tangy cream cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet blueberries
- Soft, custardy center with a golden, slightly crisp top
- Ideal for feeding a crowd with minimal effort
Ingredients
- Bread (such as French bread or brioche)
- Cream cheese
- Fresh or frozen blueberries
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cut the bread into cubes and spread half in the prepared baking dish.
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them over the bread.
- Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the cream cheese and bread layer.
- Add the remaining bread cubes and top with the rest of the blueberries.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and gently press down to ensure everything is soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes to overnight
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (or longer if refrigerated overnight)
Variations
- Berry Mix: Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy topping.
- Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top before baking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over the casserole before baking for extra sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds.
FAQs
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy?
Use slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the custard better without turning mushy.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
Do I have to use fresh blueberries?
No, frozen blueberries work just as well. No need to thaw them before adding.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread works well.
How do I make this casserole sweeter?
Increase the sugar in the custard or drizzle with extra maple syrup after baking.
Can I add nuts to the casserole?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a great crunch.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I use non-dairy ingredients?
Yes, swap the milk, cream, and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or omit it entirely for a simpler version.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should be set, and the top should be golden brown. A knife inserted should come out clean.
Conclusion
Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead breakfast that is both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weekend brunch, this dish is sure to impress. Try out different variations and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal with every bite!
Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings or special occasions. Soft bread cubes soak up a sweet, creamy custard, while pockets of cream cheese and juicy blueberries add bursts of flavor in every bite. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish. Scatter half of the cream cheese cubes and blueberries over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and blueberries.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and gently press down to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a crispier top, bake uncovered for the entire time. If you prefer a softer texture, cover with foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes.
- Swap blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries for variety.
- Stale bread works best for soaking up the custard—leave fresh bread out overnight to dry slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
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