If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s cozy, impressive, and just a little bit indulgent, you’re going to love this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines the creamy richness of a blueberry cream cheese filling with the comforting, custardy texture of classic French toast. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast, it’s always a winner at my table — and I bet once you try it, you’ll feel the same way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Overnight Convenience: Prep it the night before and wake up to effortless deliciousness.
- Bursting Blueberry Flavor: Fresh blueberries folded in cream cheese and sprinkled on top make every bite pop.
- Creamy Yet Light Texture: The custard-soaked French bread cooks up soft without being soggy.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Makes plenty to share — an ideal brunch centerpiece or holiday treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is in the simple but thoughtfully combined ingredients. Using day-old French bread helps soak up the custard without losing its shape, while fresh blueberries add just the right balance of sweet and tart. Here are the key ingredients broken down for you:

- Cream Cheese: I use softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese for its smooth texture and mild flavor — it mixes perfectly with the blueberries.
- Blueberries: Fresh is best here; they keep their shape and burst with flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without any grittiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth; splitting it between the cream cheese and egg mixture layers brings complexity.
- Milk: Whole milk is my preference for richness, but any milk will do.
- French Bread: Day-old is essential — it soaks in the custard nicely without falling apart.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard layer, binding everything together beautifully.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add a cozy, autumnal note that pairs brilliantly with blueberries.
Variations
I love playing around with this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe, making it my own depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to get creative — this recipe is forgiving and flexible!
- Berry Swap: If blueberries aren’t in season, try raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries instead — each brings its own flair!
- Dairy-Free: Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk to make it vegan-friendly.
- Extra Crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for a delightful crunch contrast.
- Spiced Up: Experiment by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the custard for some unique warmth.
How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by softening the cream cheese — I usually leave mine on the counter while I gather ingredients. Then, beat it together with powdered sugar, milk, and half the vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gently fold in a cup of fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them; this way, they stay plump and juicy within the creamy filling. I’ve found this step really sets this dish apart by adding pockets of blueberry goodness throughout.
Step 2: Assemble the Bread Layers
Cube two loaves of French bread — day-old is perfect for soaking without turning to mush. Lay a single, even layer on the bottom of your baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top, then cover it with the remaining bread cubes to create a layered effect. This layering is crucial because it distributes the cream cheese evenly and traps the custard between chunks for that luscious texture you want.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Egg Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this custard slowly over the layered bread, making sure every piece gets soaked. Sprinkle the final cup of blueberries across the top for a pretty, inviting finish. Cover tightly with foil and pop it into the fridge overnight. From my experience, letting it rest for at least 8 hours gives the bread ample time to absorb all that flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge about 30-60 minutes beforehand so it comes closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures more even baking and helps avoid sogginess from cold custard hitting the heat.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Bake covered with foil for 45 minutes to let everything set gently, then remove the foil and bake another 30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the middle is firm. I’ve learned this two-stage baking process is the sweet spot for fully cooked, creamy French toast without drying it out.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest a bit before serving to help it set further. You’ll find that every forkful is packed with blueberry, cream cheese, and custard-y bread in perfect harmony. My family goes crazy for this recipe, and I’m sure yours will too!
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread won’t soak up the custard as well and can become soggy quickly.
- Don’t Overmix the Berries: When folding blueberries into the cream cheese or topping, be gentle to avoid turning the mix purple and watery.
- Let It Rest Before Baking: Removing your casserole from the fridge ahead of baking helps cook it evenly.
- Cover When Baking: Baking covered locks in moisture, then uncovering allows a golden crust to form without drying out the casserole.
How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh blueberries on top. Sometimes, I drizzle a little warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and freshness if you want to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, serve it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. A green fruit salad or simple orange slices provide a refreshing balance, too. I’ve found that a cup of hot coffee or tea pairs beautifully with those warm, fruity flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve layered the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You can also bake it in a pretty ceramic dish and serve directly at the table for a rustic, inviting feel. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon on top makes it extra festive, perfect for holiday brunches or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — and honestly, who doesn’t? — store them covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container. I usually press a layer of plastic wrap right on the surface, then cover with foil to prevent it from drying out. It stays good for about 3-4 days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Just bake it, allow it to cool completely, then cut into portions for easier thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I like to reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes to retain that slight crispness on top. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but I recommend adding a small drizzle of milk or cover loosely with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I make this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To keep it vegan, swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream cheese, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with a flax or chia egg mixture. Keep in mind the texture might be a touch different but still delicious!
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What’s the best bread to use for this casserole?
French bread is ideal because of its sturdy texture that absorbs custard without falling apart. If you can’t find it, ciabatta or a rustic bread work well too. Always use day-old or slightly stale bread for best results.
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Can I prepare the casserole without overnight soaking?
While you technically can bake it immediately, letting it soak overnight lets the bread fully absorb the custard and flavors, giving you that perfect creamy and tender texture. If short on time, try to soak it for at least an hour before baking.
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How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Use sturdy, day-old bread and don’t skimp on the bake time or forget to bake covered first, then uncovered. The two-stage baking helps the custard set gently while preventing sogginess. Also, be gentle when folding in the blueberries to avoid excess liquid.
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Can I use frozen blueberries?
You can, but frozen blueberries tend to release more juice and make the casserole runnier. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in breakfast form. Every time I serve it, friends and family ask for the recipe, and I’m always happy to share. Give it a try — I promise you’ll love waking up to a breakfast this delicious and comforting. Once you master this, your brunch game will never be the same!
Print
Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 95 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring layers of French bread soaked in a rich egg mixture, creamy blueberry cream cheese, and fresh blueberries. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors that makes breakfast or brunch special with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (preferably Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (split; half for cream cheese mixture, half for egg mixture)
- 2 tbsp whole milk
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves cubed French bread (day-old preferred)
Egg Mixture
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Bread Layers: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, layer half of the cubed French bread evenly on the bottom. Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over this layer. Then, top with the remaining cubed bread to form a second layer.
- Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 8 eggs, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup blueberries until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese in the baking dish, making sure all bread cubes are soaked. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Bake the Dish: Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes with the foil on. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for about 30 more minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly browned, totaling approximately 75 minutes of baking time.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy a creamy, fruity breakfast treat!
Notes
- Using day-old French bread allows it to soak up more of the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or maple syrup on top before serving.
- The casserole can be prepared entirely the night before, making morning preparations quick and easy.
- If cream cheese is not softened, microwave it briefly to ensure a smooth mixture.
- If desired, substitute milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, though whole milk provides the richest flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/9 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 210mg

