Blueberry French Toast Casserole

C. Sophie

Make this easy Blueberry French Toast Casserole for a sweet, make-ahead breakfast packed with juicy berries and baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine American, French

Servings 8 Servings

Calories 340 kcal

You can use brioche sourdough, crusty bread, or leftover French bread. A day old bread is best if you want to avoid soggy results. This recipe makes good use of half of the bread at a time during layering.

Eggs form the base of the custard. They bind the bread together and create the fluffy texture people love in french toast casseroles.

Milk or half-and-half helps round out the custard. Some folks use a combination of milk and heavy cream for extra richness in their baked french toast.

You’ll typically combine brown sugar with a little white sugar to sweeten the custard but maple syrup can also play a role if you want a deeper flavor. A sprinkle of powdered sugar after baking is optional but offers a nice finishing touch.

Fresh blueberries are fantastic if they’re in season. Otherwise frozen blueberries work just as well—just thaw them if you’d like to reduce excess moisture. You can also combine them with raspberry or strawberry slices if you want a mixed berry variation.

If you want a cream cheese french toast casserole you’ll add spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture between layers of bread cubes. This approach creates a tangy swirl that contrasts beautifully with the sweet custard.

A dash of vanilla extract lifts the overall flavor. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy note.

Start by cubing your chosen loaf. Whether you’re using brioche, sourdough, or French bread, aim for bite-size pieces. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a couple of hours to dry slightly. Stale or day old bread absorbs custard more effectively, reducing the chance of soggy texture.
Place half of the bread in a greased baking dish. Many home cooks use a 9×13 baking dish because it provides enough room for the mixture to spread out and bake evenly.

In a large mixing bowl, crack your eggs and whisk them with milk (or half-and-half), brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. If you want an added layer of warmth, a small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg does wonders. Whisk gently until it becomes a smooth egg mixture.

If you’re turning this into a cream cheese french toast casserole, dot small spoonfuls of a simple cream cheese mixture (cream cheese whipped with a bit of sugar) across the top of the bread cubes.
Next, sprinkle fresh blueberries or thawed frozen blueberries over the bread. If you plan to make blueberry flavor more pronounced, feel free to add extra berries. If you enjoy variety, you might add a handful of strawberry slices or even a raspberry or two for a more colorful spread.

Scatter the remaining bread cubes over the berries and cream cheese dots. This second layer forms the top of the casserole.

Slowly pour the whisked egg mixture over the bread, making sure everything gets coated. Pause briefly if any bread pieces float to the surface, allowing the custard to seep in. This is how you avoid patches of dry bread.
This step is crucial. The mixture over the bread should soak in for at least a few minutes. Some people prefer to refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight. Doing so helps the bread fully absorb the custard, ensuring best results once you bake the casserole.

If you have time, refrigerate the dish for a minimum of a few hours or overnight. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil so it doesn’t pick up any flavors from your fridge. Let it sit overnight if you want maximum convenience in the morning.
An overnight french toast casserole approach can transform your morning: you simply remove the dish from the refrigerator overnight storage, let it rest while the oven preheats, and then proceed with baking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently remove the wrap from your baking dish. The casserole will have absorbed much of the egg mixture by now.
Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on your oven and how soft or firm you like it. If you notice the top of the casserole browning too fast, lightly cover it with foil for the final ten minutes.
You can test for doneness by poking a fork into the center. If it comes out mostly clean and the custard is set, you’re ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so check around the 35-minute mark.

Once you pull this french toast bake from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. That helps the custard settle and makes slicing easier.
For an eye-catching flourish, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top or drizzle warm maple syrup. You can also create a homemade blueberry sauce for extra color.

Keyword baked french toast, blueberry french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, overnight french toast