Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

For a breakfast or brunch that’s both decadent and comforting, look no further than this Blueberry French Toast Casserole. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend gatherings, this casserole brings together the rich flavors of French toast and the natural sweetness of blueberries, making it an unforgettable dish. Layers of cubed French bread are soaked in a cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced egg mixture, while the cream cheese and blueberry filling creates a luscious, creamy texture throughout. This dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, the best part? You can prepare it the night before, so all you have to do is bake it in the morning, making it a perfect option for busy mornings when you want something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare in Advance

This casserole can be assembled the night before, making it a perfect option for stress-free mornings.

2. Rich and Creamy

The cream cheese mixture adds a delicious, velvety richness that complements the fluffy bread layers.

3. Loaded with Blueberries

The sweet, juicy blueberries shine through in every bite, adding a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced egg mixture.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions

This casserole is ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or brunches, as it can easily feed a crowd with minimal effort.

5. Customizable

You can easily swap the blueberries for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches to create your own variations.

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Blueberries

For the Bread Layers:

• Cubed French bread

For the Egg Mixture:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Cinnamon powder
• Ground nutmeg
• Blueberries

Variations

• Different fruits: Swap the blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
• Add nuts: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the bread layers for a crunchy texture.
• Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and flax eggs to make this casserole vegan-friendly.
• Spiced syrup: Drizzle a spiced maple syrup or cinnamon syrup over the casserole before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Chocolate lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries.

Step 2: Assemble the Bread Layers

Layer the bottom of a 10×14 inch baking dish with cubed French bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then top with the remaining bread cubes.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the bread layers, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Bake for 45 minutes with foil on. Afterward, remove the foil and bake until the center is set and the top is lightly browned, about 30 more minutes. The total baking time is approximately 75 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of syrup if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use stale bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
• Let it soak: Make sure to refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours (or overnight) to allow the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture.
• Check for doneness: The casserole should be set in the center and lightly browned on top when fully cooked. If it’s still jiggly, bake a bit longer.
• Customize your toppings: You can top the casserole with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor.
• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the casserole with foil during the first part of baking ensures that it cooks evenly without drying out.

How to Serve

Serve your Blueberry French Toast Casserole warm, topped with extra fresh blueberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s perfect as a stand-alone dish or paired with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bread instead of French bread?

Yes, you can use any bread you have on hand, but French bread or a hearty loaf works best for texture.

2. Can I make this casserole without cream cheese?

If you don’t want to use cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.

3. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly fine in this recipe and can be added directly without thawing.

4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free milk, non-dairy cream cheese, and a dairy-free egg substitute like flax eggs to make this recipe dairy-free.

5. Can I add more sugar for sweetness?

If you like your casserole sweeter, feel free to add more powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle extra sugar on top before baking.

6. How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?

You can refrigerate the casserole for 8 hours or up to overnight for best results.

7. Can I add other spices to the egg mixture?

Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice for a unique twist.

8. How can I make this recipe ahead for a crowd?

This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply scale up the recipe by using a larger baking dish or making multiple casseroles.

9. Can I use a different fruit besides blueberries?

Yes, you can swap out the blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or any fruit of your choice.

10. What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete brunch spread.

Conclusion

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast treat, combining sweet, creamy, and spiced layers into one indulgent dish. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy weekend morning, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

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