Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast dish for special occasions, lazy weekends, or when you’re hosting a brunch. Made with chunks of bread soaked in a rich custard and topped with juicy blueberries, it’s a dish that’s indulgent yet easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it warm out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning.
Bursting with Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they add natural sweetness and flavor.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, soft, and perfectly sweetened.

Essential Ingredients for Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Bread Base

Challah, Brioche, or French Bread: Day-old bread works best for absorbing the custard.

Creamy Custard Mixture

Eggs: Bind everything together.
Milk or Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
Sugar: Adds sweetness.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices for depth.

Blueberry Topping

Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: The star of the dish.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: For a caramelized topping.

Equipment You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Serrated knife for cutting bread

Step-by-Step Recipe for Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

1 loaf of challah, brioche, or French bread (about 12 cups cubed)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup brown sugar
Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to become slightly stale.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
Sprinkle the blueberries over the top, pressing some lightly into the bread.

4. Let it Rest

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

5. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle brown sugar over the casserole for a caramelized finish.
Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

6. Garnish and Serve

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Customizing Your Casserole

Adding Other Fruits

Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or chopped apples.

Enhancing Toppings

Add a crumble topping made from butter, oats, and brown sugar for extra texture.

Adjusting Sweetness

Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a natural sweetener.

Tips for the Best Casserole

Prevent Soggy Casserole: Use day-old bread to absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
Avoid Dry Casserole: Cover with foil if it starts browning too quickly during baking.
Make-Ahead Perfection: Overnight soaking enhances flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with These Sides

Crispy bacon or sausage links
Fresh fruit salad
Greek yogurt or whipped cream

Top It Off

A drizzle of warm maple syrup or blueberry compote.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Conclusion

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is an irresistible dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply want to make your mornings special, this recipe is a winner. With its custard-soaked bread, juicy blueberries, and caramelized topping, every bite is a slice of heaven.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Just toss them in a little flour to prevent them from sinking.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap milk for almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free bread option.

3. What bread works best?
Challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal, but any sturdy bread will work.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble it, freeze unbaked, and thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

5. How can I make it extra indulgent?
Add cream cheese chunks or a streusel topping for a decadent twist.