If you love a warm, cozy breakfast that tastes like a hug on a plate, this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine layers of soft cream cheese, juicy blueberries, and custardy French bread all baked into one irresistible dish—perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions. Stick around because this recipe is not just delicious but genuinely foolproof once you know the little tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Blueberries: Adding blueberries both inside the custard and on top makes every bite pop with natural sweetness and freshness.
- Creamy, Dreamy Texture: The cream cheese mixture layered inside creates a rich, velvety surprise that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—perfect for busy or leisurely weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here has a role to play in making this casserole shine—juicy blueberries that balance sweetness, creamy cheese for richness, and sturdy French bread that soaks up the custard just right. Using day-old bread is a little trick I discovered because it absorbs the liquid without turning to mush.

- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they add bright bursts of flavor; fresh is best if you can get it.
- Cream cheese: Softened and smooth for that creamy layer—Philadelphia brand works beautifully here for its perfect texture.
- Powdered sugar: Blends effortlessly with cream cheese to keep the texture silky and sweet.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting notes; splitting it between the cream cheese and egg mixtures deepens flavor.
- Milk: I prefer whole milk here for richness, but any milk works fine.
- French bread: Cubed; day-old is ideal because it soaks but doesn’t turn soggy.
- Eggs: Large eggs help create the custardy soak that binds everything together.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch for warmth and spice.
- Nutmeg: Gives a subtle, cozy background flavor that rounds out the spices.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easily it can be customized. Whether you want to swap out blueberries for other berries or add a crunchy topping, there’s room to make it your own. I always encourage you to experiment a little to see what makes your breakfast perfect.
- Berry Mix: I sometimes use a combination of raspberries and blackberries when blueberries aren’t in season, and it adds a nice tart contrast.
- Nut Topping: My family loves chopped pecans or almonds sprinkled on top before baking for an added crunch.
- Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey on top right before serving to amp up the sweetness.
How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by softening your cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth—that makes all the difference in texture. I usually soften it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then mix in powdered sugar, milk, and half the vanilla extract until it’s silky and creamy. Gently folding in a cup of blueberries is the final touch here—you want to be careful so you don’t mash them but still get them evenly spread.
Step 2: Layer Your Bread and Cream Cheese
Grab a large baking dish—10×14 inches works perfectly—and lay down half the cubed French bread in an even layer. Then spread the cream cheese mixture right on top. Don’t be shy; getting an even spread ensures each bite has that creamy surprise. Top it off with the remaining bread cubes for the second layer. This layering makes for a beautiful marsh-like texture after baking.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a big bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, remaining vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it’s smooth and fragrant. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread. Then sprinkle the last cup of blueberries on top for that gorgeous pop of color and flavor. Cover the dish tightly—this is going into your fridge to soak overnight, and trust me, letting the bread absorb the custard is the magic step.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
When you’re ready to bake, give your oven a good heat to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the casserole starts cooking evenly the moment it goes in.
Step 5: Bake It to Perfection
Bake with foil on for 45 minutes to trap steam and cook the custard through without drying out those edges. After that, take off the foil and bake for about 30 more minutes until the top is lightly browned and the center feels set but still tender. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your Blueberry French Toast Casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so it firms up just enough. Then dig in! You’ll love how the cream cheese and fruit have melded into the custardy bread, making each bite perfect.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bread: I learned this the hard way—fresh bread gets soggy too fast, but day-old cubes soak perfectly without falling apart.
- Don’t Overmix Blueberries: Fold them gently into the cream cheese to avoid turning the mixture purple and watery.
- Overnight Soaking is Key: Giving the casserole time to soak overnight makes the custard fully absorb—skip it and the texture feels off.
- Check Doneness with a Knife: Instead of guessing, use a skewer or knife to test the center; it should come out clean but the casserole remains moist.
How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes
I love a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top before serving—it makes it look extra special without overpowering the lovely blueberry flavor. Sometimes I add a few fresh blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic brunch feel.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for this paired with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage—the savory contrast complements the sweet and creamy casserole beautifully. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also brighten up the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins, which makes each portion feel like a treat. You can also drizzle warm maple syrup or a blueberry compote on top for a fancy, restaurant-style presentation that always wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers I have I cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes almost as good the next day, which is a huge win on busy mornings.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions of this casserole—wrapped well in foil and placed in an airtight container—and it thaws really nicely overnight in the fridge. Just bake it as usual, adding a bit of extra time if it’s still a little chilled.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes for a quick fix or warm them in a 325°F oven wrapped loosely in foil to keep them moist. Reheating this way keeps the custard creamy without drying out the bread.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While French bread is ideal for its texture and ability to soak up custard without getting mushy, you can use brioche or challah for a richer flavor or even whole wheat bread for a heartier alternative. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh, so it absorbs the liquid well.
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Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?
Overnight soaking really enhances the flavor and texture by giving the bread time to absorb the custard fully. If you’re short on time, soaking for at least 4 hours can work, but the texture won’t be quite as creamy and cohesive as with an overnight soak.
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How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Covering the dish tightly with foil while baking traps moisture, which keeps the casserole from drying out. Plus, using whole milk adds extra creaminess that helps maintain a rich texture.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
I find gently reheating leftovers in a low oven wrapped in foil preserves the moisture best, but microwave reheating works great for a quick breakfast too—just watch the timing to avoid drying out the custard.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe enough—it’s that kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, whether it’s a holiday morning or just a weekend treat. The creamy layers, the juicy blueberries, and the soak-it-overnight convenience make it a breakfast winner in my book. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it with my family and friends—give it a try and watch it become your new favorite brunch staple!
Print
Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a luscious and creamy breakfast treat featuring layers of cubed French bread soaked in a rich, spiced egg mixture with luscious blueberries folded into a smooth cream cheese blend. The casserole is assembled the night before and baked to golden perfection in the morning, making it an effortless yet indulgent dish perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (preferably Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (split: half for cream cheese mixture, half for egg mixture)
- 1 cup blueberries
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves cubed French bread (day-old preferred)
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (remaining half)
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries to distribute evenly.
- Assemble the Bread Layers: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, layer half of the cubed French bread evenly on the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread layer. Top with the remaining bread cubes to form the second layer.
- Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2 cups of milk, remaining 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish, making sure all bread is soaked. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries evenly on top. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the casserole.
- Bake the Dish: Place the casserole in the oven and bake covered with foil for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. Total baking time is about 75 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: After baking, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy a creamy, blueberry-filled layered bread pudding perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- Day-old French bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen blueberries can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before folding in.
- You can substitute whole milk with a milk alternative for a lighter version, though whole milk adds richer flavor.
- Letting the casserole sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the bread to fully soak and flavors to meld.
- Remove from the fridge before baking to reduce baking time and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg

