Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

There’s something about waking up to warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a hug. When I stumbled upon the best blueberry French toast casserole recipe, it quickly became my weekend favorite. This dish combines soft, custardy bread with juicy blueberries for a burst of flavor in every bite. You don’t have to stand over the stove flipping pancakes—just prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning. Trust me, the ease and rich taste will make you want to serve it to everyone you know.

My experience baking this recipe numerous times has taught me that freshness matters, especially with the blueberries and the type of bread you use. The custard soaking time is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into something special. The best blueberry French toast casserole recipe isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about creating a cozy start to your day.

Ingredients for the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward success. Here’s what you’ll need, with clear, precise amounts for each:

• 8 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (I recommend brioche or challah for extra softness)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
• Optional topping: powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

Don’t skip on day-old bread—it absorbs the custard better without turning mushy. I like to use a sturdy bread like brioche, which keeps its shape and yields a fluffy texture. Fresh blueberries really pop, but frozen works too; just thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy casserole.

Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe That Melts Hearts in 5 Steps

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Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe Make a heartmelting breakfast in 5 simple steps that your family will love every time

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche or challah recommended)

2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

Optional topping: powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

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Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and help bake evenly.

Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread.

Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries. Press lightly to pack the layers gently.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, making sure the liquid covers all the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down if needed.

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the bread absorb the custard fully.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and take off the plastic wrap.

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole to add flavor and help develop a golden crust.

Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the inside stays soft and custardy. Insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it is done.

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to help it set up perfectly.

Notes

Wake up to a warm, comforting homemade blueberry French toast casserole with soft, custardy bread and juicy blueberries. Prepare it the night before for an easy, indulgent weekend breakfast.

How to Prepare the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

This part is where the charm happens. I break down every step to make it straightforward and foolproof.

1. Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This helps the casserole bake evenly and prevents sticking.
2. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread.
3. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries. Press lightly to pack the layers gently.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, making sure the liquid covers all the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down if needed.
6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time lets the bread absorb the custard fully, giving you that rich, custardy texture you want.
7. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and remove the plastic wrap.
8. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This adds flavor and helps develop a golden crust.
9. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. The top should be golden brown while the inside stays soft and custardy. Insert a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
10. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up just right.

Don’t rush the soaking time. I learned the hard way that short resting leads to dry bites. Also, watch the oven closely the last 10 minutes to prevent overbaking. If it browns too quickly, you can tent foil loosely over the top.

Why You’ll Love the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Prep it the night before—no early-morning hassle
• Soft, custardy texture that feels indulgent but easy to make
• Blueberries add a natural sweetness and subtle tartness
• Versatile—great for family breakfasts or special occasions
• Can be topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup to suit your taste

What makes this casserole my favorite? It’s the combination of simple ingredients with the slow soak that transforms it. I’ve served it to picky eaters who normally avoid berries, and they’ve come back for seconds. It’s hands-down a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

Tips for Success with the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Use sturdy bread—day-old brioche or challah works best to hold custard without falling apart.
• Don’t skip the soaking time; it’s what makes the bread tender and flavorful.
• Press gently on the bread layers after adding custard to help absorption without squishing it.
• Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before baking for a warm aroma.
• Keep an eye on the casserole during baking; if the crust browns too fast, cover with foil.
• If using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
• Let the casserole rest before serving so it firms up slightly and slices nicely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

You can keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to microwave portions for 30-60 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The casserole stays moist and tasty even after reheating, and the blueberries keep their sweet pop.

If you want to freeze it, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. I don’t recommend freezing after baking, though—it loses texture.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition varies based on the brands and specific ingredients you use. This recipe’s nutritional values are estimates and intended only as a general guideline.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries in this casserole?

Absolutely! You can swap blueberries with strawberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches. Just be sure to use fresh or thaw frozen and drain well to keep the casserole from getting soggy.

Is it okay to use regular bread instead of brioche or challah?

You can, but the texture might not be as rich or soft. Sturdy bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, which is why I recommend brioche or challah. If you use sandwich bread, make sure it’s day-old and a bit dense.

Can I prepare this casserole the morning I want to bake it?

You can, but for the best custardy texture, I suggest at least 4 hours of soaking or, better yet, overnight. Less soaking means the bread won’t fully absorb the custard, and you might end up with dry spots.

How can I make the casserole more crispy on top?

Drizzling melted butter before baking helps. You can also sprinkle a little brown sugar or cinnamon sugar on top for added crunch. Just watch it closely near the end to avoid burning.

Does the casserole freeze well?

It freezes best before baking. Prepare it, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Freezing after baking can cause the texture to suffer, so I don’t recommend that.