This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a tasty way to enjoy breakfast! It features soft bread soaked in a yummy mixture of eggs and milk, combined with sweet blueberries.
I love how easy it is to make! Just mix the ingredients, let it sit overnight, and bake it in the morning. Perfect for lazy brunches—it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: For this casserole, use thick bread like brioche or challah for a rich texture. If you don’t have these, French bread or any soft white bread works too. Just avoid crusty breads!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries bring sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can use frozen blueberries—just thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk is preferred for creaminess, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a lighter option. You could even skip the cream and use more milk.
Eggs: If you’re looking for a vegan option, use a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) as a substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dish, but you can opt for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or maple syrup for a unique twist!
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Texture for My Casserole?
Getting that perfect, custardy texture is all about soaking the bread properly. Make sure you let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the bread cubes to soak up all the egg mixture.
- After mixing the egg mixture, pour it evenly over the bread and press down gently to make sure all pieces are soaked.
- Cover it well and refrigerate to meld all flavors and ensure proper absorption.
When baking, keep an eye on it. Check if the edges are set and the center is firm but slightly wobbly—this will give you that delightful creamy finish!
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) of thick bread (brioche or challah), cut into cubes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, plus extra for topping
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. When it’s time to bake, it will take about 45-50 minutes in the oven. So, plan for a cozy morning of about 5 hours total, including chilling and baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Assembling the Bread and Blueberries:
Next, take the cubed bread and spread it evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries over the top of the bread cubes. Yum!
3. Mixing the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combining the Mixtures:
Now, slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries in your baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with your hands or a spatula to ensure it soaks up all that delicious custard.
5. Adding the Butter:
After that, pour the melted butter over the top of your casserole. This will add flavor and help everything turn golden brown in the oven.
6. Refrigerating the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the refrigerator. You want to let this sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This step is super important for the best texture!
7. Baking Time:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and remove the foil. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the custard is set and the top is a lovely golden brown.
8. Final Touches:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. You can also add extra fresh blueberries and garnish with mint leaves for a pretty presentation!
9. Serving:
Slice and serve your Blueberry French Toast Casserole warm. Enjoy it as a delightful breakfast or a special brunch treat!
Dig in and savor the soft, custardy bread infused with sweet blueberries and cinnamon—it’s the perfect way to start your day!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen blueberries before adding them to the casserole to prevent excess moisture. You can also toss them in a little bit of flour to help absorb any extra liquid.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this casserole vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use plant-based milk and cream. You can also replace the sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick snack!
Can I Prepare This Dish the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before! Just assemble everything, cover it with foil, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in an even more delicious casserole in the morning!
