Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast bake that combines layers of soft bread, juicy blueberries, and sweet cream cheese, all soaked in a custard mixture and baked to perfection. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a special family breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to assemble and can be prepared the night before.
- Bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh blueberries.
- Cream cheese adds a creamy, indulgent layer to this comforting casserole.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, with minimal effort required.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- French bread or brioche, cubed
- Cream cheese, softened
- Fresh or frozen blueberries
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries: Scatter dollops of cream cheese and half of the blueberries over the bread. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake: 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 and the custard is set.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Optional: drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 8–10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours or overnight (optional)
Variations
- Mixed Berry Casserole: Replace or mix the blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture.
- Lemon Blueberry Twist: Add lemon zest to the custard and a drizzle of lemon glaze for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. No need to thaw them; just add them directly to the dish.
2. Do I have to chill the casserole overnight?
Chilling is optional but recommended for better texture and flavor as the bread absorbs the custard.
3. Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, brioche, challah, or sourdough work beautifully in this recipe.
4. Can I make this without cream cheese?
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 done when the top is golden, and the custard is set without being jiggly in the center.
6. What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or breakfast sausage for a complete meal.
7. Can I add spices?
Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom are great additions to the custard for extra warmth and flavor.
8. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk, cream cheese, and butter substitutes for a dairy-free version.
9. Can I make individual portions?
Yes, bake the casserole in muffin tins for single-serving portions. Adjust the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.
10. Can I use sweetened bread?
Sweet breads like cinnamon raisin or a loaf with a swirl of chocolate can add extra flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a comforting and indulgent breakfast that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The combination of sweet blueberries, creamy custard, and rich cream cheese makes this dish a standout for special occasions or weekend brunches. Whether you prepare it the night before or make it fresh, this casserole is sure to impress your family and friends!
PrintBlueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
This decadent breakfast casserole features layers of soft bread, juicy blueberries, and creamy pockets of cream cheese, all soaked in a rich custard. Topped with a crumbly streusel and baked to perfection, it’s a breakfast or brunch delight for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 1 lb / 450 g) of French bread or brioche, cubed
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole base:
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Scatter the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of blueberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries.
- Make the custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the streusel topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Bake the casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Substitute blueberries with raspberries or mixed berries for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.