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
Scale
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
