Blueberry French Toast Casserole

If you love traditional French toast but want something even more indulgent and easier to make for a crowd, this Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the perfect choice. With layers of tender bread cubes, a creamy lemon-kissed cream cheese filling, and bursts of blueberries throughout, this dish delivers a delicious blend of sweetness and texture. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that takes this casserole to the next level. Best of all, it can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining.

Ingredients

Casserole:

• 12 slices brioche bread or white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups blueberries, divided (fresh or frozen)
• 12 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Topping:

• ½ cup oats
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread: Leave your bread cubes out for a few hours or toast them on a baking tray at 350°F for about 8 minutes to dry slightly.
2. Make the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the bread cubes to the dish, then spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle with half of the blueberries. Add the remaining bread and blueberries on top.
4. Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and lemon zest until well combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread layers. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight to let the bread soak up the custard.
5. Before baking: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 45 to 60 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, softened butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the center is hot.
8. Serve warm: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Add extra maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve this Blueberry French Toast Casserole warm, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet finishing touch. For an elegant touch, drizzle with homemade blueberry syrup or a light lemon glaze. Pair it with breakfast meats like bacon or sausage, or serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced brunch. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

1. Strawberry Cream Cheese Casserole – Replace blueberries with sliced strawberries and add a splash of vanilla extract for a fruity, creamy twist.
2. Mixed Berry Delight – Use a combination of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a vibrant and colorful flavor.
3. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake – Swap blueberries for diced apples and mix cinnamon and nutmeg into the custard.
4. Chocolate Chip Blueberry Casserole – Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a decadent dessert-style breakfast.
5. Banana Blueberry Bake – Layer sliced bananas between the bread cubes for added sweetness and texture.
6. Peach and Cream French Toast Casserole – Replace blueberries with diced peaches and add a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese filling.
7. Lemon Blueberry Bliss – Add extra lemon zest and a drizzle of lemon glaze for a bright citrus kick.
8. Nutty Blueberry Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking for added crunch.
9. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake – Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the custard for a cozy fall version.
10. Coconut Blueberry Casserole – Add shredded coconut to the topping and use coconut milk instead of regular milk for tropical flavor.
11. Maple Pecan Blueberry Bake – Incorporate chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup into the topping for a warm, nutty sweetness.
12. Raspberry White Chocolate Casserole – Substitute raspberries for blueberries and swirl in melted white chocolate before baking.
13. Caramel Blueberry French Toast Casserole – Drizzle caramel sauce between the bread layers for a rich, gooey texture.
14. Savory Blueberry Brie Casserole – Combine blueberries with chunks of brie cheese and omit the streusel for a sweet-salty flavor.
15. Overnight Blueberry Almond Bake – Add sliced almonds to the topping and a hint of almond extract to the custard for an elegant, aromatic variation.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for preparing ahead. Assemble it the night before and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well—no need to thaw before using.

3. What type of bread works best?
Brioche or challah bread is ideal because of its rich, soft texture, but you can also use French bread or thick white sandwich bread.

4. How can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.

5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the custard and topping by half without affecting the texture too much.

6. Why does it need to chill overnight?
The chilling time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a creamy, custard-like texture.

7. Can I bake it immediately without chilling?
You can, but the texture will be less custard-like and more bread-like. Chilling is recommended for best results.

8. How do I prevent it from being soggy?
Use slightly stale or toasted bread and make sure the custard mixture is well-balanced with the bread cubes.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

10. What can I serve with it?
It pairs beautifully with bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that brings together all the best breakfast flavors in one dish. With its creamy texture, sweet-tart blueberries, and buttery streusel topping, every bite feels like a treat. Whether for a weekend brunch, family gathering, or holiday breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a favorite that everyone looks forward to enjoying again and again.

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