Blueberry French Toast Casserole: A Sweet & Buttery Brunch Delight
If you love French toast, but don’t love the idea of standing at the stove flipping slices one by one, this Blueberry French Toast Casserole is about to be your new favorite brunch hack.
Made with buttery challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard, then baked to golden perfection with juicy blueberries bursting in every bite—this dish is easy, elegant, and absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or meal prep, this make-ahead casserole lets you prep everything the night before and simply bake it in the morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy & Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
✔ Soft, Custardy & Buttery – Every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
✔ Perfect for Brunch or Holidays – It’s an instant crowd-pleaser.
✔ No Fancy Ingredients Needed – Just simple pantry staples!
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus more for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
- ½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Streusel Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup for drizzling
- Whipped cream for extra indulgence
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assemble the Bread Base
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle blueberries over the bread, tucking some between the cubes for even distribution.
2. Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup (or brown sugar), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
3. Make the Streusel Topping (Optional but Amazing!)
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the casserole.
4. Refrigerate (Overnight Option)
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and add a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate finishing touch.
Tips for Success
✔ Use day-old bread – Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without getting soggy.
✔ Swap the blueberries – Try raspberries, blackberries, or even diced apples for a fun twist.
✔ Want extra crunch? Add chopped pecans or almonds to the streusel topping.
✔ Make it dairy-free – Use almond or oat milk and swap butter for coconut oil.
Picture This
A golden, puffy French toast casserole, with plump, juicy blueberries peeking through the buttery bread cubes. The streusel topping adds a delicate crunch, while the final dusting of powdered sugar gives it that picture-perfect finish. A drizzle of maple syrup cascades down the sides, making every bite pure brunch magic.
This is the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re at a fancy café—without leaving your house. 🥞🫐🔥
