Start your morning with a burst of flavor and indulgence by serving the Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. This delightful breakfast bake combines layers of soft, buttery bread, sweet-tart blueberries, and creamy pockets of cream cheese, all soaked in a rich custard mixture and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating your family to a weekend treat, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. With its simple preparation, customizable options, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a must-try for any breakfast enthusiast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is as practical as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a recipe worth adding to your repertoire:
- Simple Assembly: Just layer, soak, and bake—no complicated techniques required.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Bursting with Flavor: Juicy blueberries and creamy dollops of cream cheese create a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
- Perfect for Crowds: Serves 8–10 people, making it ideal for holidays, gatherings, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or even swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To bring this decadent dish to life, you’ll need:
- French bread or brioche, cubed: The base of the casserole—soft, slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the custard.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious, creamy layer that melts into the custard.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursting with juicy sweetness, these berries are the star of the show.
- Eggs: Bind the custard together and provide structure.
- Milk and heavy cream: Create a rich, velvety texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard to perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
- Powdered sugar for garnish: A light dusting adds elegance and extra sweetness.
Optional add-ins include chopped nuts for crunch, lemon zest for brightness, or dairy-free alternatives for dietary needs.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dish
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Pro Tip: For the best results, use slightly stale bread—it absorbs the custard more effectively than fresh bread.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries
Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the bread layer. Scatter half of the blueberries evenly on top. Add the remaining bread cubes, followed by the rest of the blueberries.
Note: If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them; they’ll release their juices as they bake, creating a luscious filling.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth and well combined. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread, ensuring all pieces are evenly soaked. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
Tip: For an extra touch of warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
For the best texture and flavor, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and cohesive bake.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the custard is set, and the center is no longer jiggly.
Pro Tip: To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the casserole—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. For added sweetness, drizzle with maple syrup or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutritional Highlights
While this casserole is indulgent, it offers some nutritional benefits. Eggs provide high-quality protein, while blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts can boost healthy fats and fiber. Enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile—here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Mixed Berry Casserole: Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries—or use a combination for a colorful twist.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
- Lemon Blueberry Twist: Add lemon zest to the custard and drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice) over the baked casserole for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free milk, cream cheese, and butter alternatives for a plant-based version.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with fresh fruit for added flair.
- Pairings: Serve alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a side of breakfast potatoes for a complete meal.
- Portion Control: Cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving and presentation.
Storage Guidelines
- Cool Properly: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
- Freezing: Wrap the baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tip: Freezing individual portions makes reheating quick and convenient for busy mornings.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly. Simply add them directly to the dish without thawing.
2. Do I have to chill the casserole overnight?
Chilling is optional but highly recommended for better texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute chill will improve the results.
3. Can I use another type of bread?
Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or sourdough are excellent choices.
4. Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cream cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
5. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown, the custard is set, and the center is no longer jiggly. Insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
6. What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of breakfast potatoes for a hearty meal.
7. Can I add spices?
Definitely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom add warmth and enhance the flavors of the custard.
8. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk, cream cheese, and butter substitutes for a plant-based version.
9. Can I make individual portions?
Yes! Divide the mixture into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes for single-serving portions.
10. Can I use sweetened bread?
Absolutely! Sweet breads like cinnamon raisin or chocolate-swirl loaves add extra flavor and save time on additional sweeteners.
Conclusion
The Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a breakfast masterpiece that combines comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation. Its layers of soft bread, juicy blueberries, and creamy custard create a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is beautiful to serve. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing for a special occasion, or simply indulging in a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Customize it to suit your tastes, prepare it ahead of time for convenience, and enjoy a warm, comforting start to your day. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the ultimate brunch experience!
Easy Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 cups French bread or brioche, cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- optional powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Scatter dollops of softened cream cheese over the bread layer, followed by half of the blueberries.
- Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the custard is set, and the center is no longer jiggly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Optional: drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
