Description
This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delicious make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or special occasions. Made with soft bread, juicy blueberries, and a creamy sweet cheese filling, this baked casserole is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Serve it with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect morning treat!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Extra blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Scatter the cream cheese cubes and half of the blueberries over the bread.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries.
- Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture, pressing down slightly so the bread soaks up the liquid.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended):
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until it forms a crumbly mixture.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
- Serve:
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with extra blueberries if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked (without the topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake.
- Bread Choice: Brioche, challah, or French bread works best. Avoid overly soft bread.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 160mg