Easy Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe | Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast

A Breakfast Worth Waking Up For

Inspired by Yummy Dished, Sally’s Baking Addiction, and AllRecipes Overnight Blueberry French Toast, this casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. It combines the nostalgic comfort of French toast with the ease of a baked dish, making mornings stress-free and delicious. Perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or cozy weekends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet approachable. Cubes of rich bread soak overnight in a custard of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla, then bake into a fluffy interior with a crisp golden top. Bursts of juicy blueberries add brightness, while a buttery streusel topping provides irresistible crunch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—assemble ahead, bake fresh, and serve warm with syrup or powdered sugar.

Tip: Preheat your oven fully and cover with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while keeping the inside tender.

What Is Blueberry French Toast Casserole?

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a baked breakfast dish that transforms classic French toast into a convenient, shareable format. Cubes of bread are soaked in custard, layered with blueberries, and topped with streusel for texture. The result is a dish that’s fluffy inside, golden and crisp on top, with juicy bursts of fruit throughout. Unlike traditional French toast, which requires flipping slices individually, this casserole is assembled in advance and baked all at once—perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s versatile enough for holidays, brunch buffets, or cozy weekends at home. The combination of custard-soaked bread, fruit, and crunchy topping makes it both comforting and celebratory, a dish that feels special without requiring complicated steps.

Ingredient Overview

• Bread: Challah, brioche, or French bread work best. Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better and prevents sogginess.
• Custard: Eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon form the base.
• Fruit: Fresh or frozen blueberries add brightness and juiciness.
• Topping: A streusel of butter, flour, and brown sugar creates crunch. Alternatively, drizzle cream cheese glaze for richness.
• Optional add-ins: Lemon zest for freshness, maple syrup for depth, or nuts for texture.

Tip: Always use day-old bread—it holds custard beautifully and ensures a balanced texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare bread: Cube challah, brioche, or French bread. Layer evenly in a greased baking dish.
2. Make custard: Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Combine: Pour custard over bread cubes. Fold in blueberries gently.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor (optional).
5. Prepare topping: Mix butter, flour, and brown sugar into streusel. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until golden brown and set.
7. Cool & serve: Let rest 10 minutes. Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Tip: Cover with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while ensuring the inside cooks evenly.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

• Lemon-blueberry: Add zest to custard for brightness.
• Cream cheese swirl: Dollop softened cream cheese for richness.
• Nutty topping: Sprinkle pecans or almonds for crunch.
• Mixed berry: Use raspberries and blackberries alongside blueberries.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or yogurt for balance. Pair with bacon or sausage to add savory contrast. This casserole shines on brunch buffets or holiday mornings, offering a centerpiece that’s both indulgent and easy to share. Garnish with fresh mint or extra blueberries for presentation.