Name: Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread (cut into cubes); 2 cups fresh blueberries; 6 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for serving)

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Looking for the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish? Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful Easy Brunch Casserole, featuring fluffy French bread, juicy blueberries, and a rich, spiced custard baked to golden perfection. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for lazy weekends or special gatherings, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. With warm cinnamon notes and sweet maple syrup, Blueberry French Toast Casserole transforms your morning into a cozy, indulgent experience.

Why You’ll Love Blueberry French Toast Casserole

I absolutely love this Blueberry French Toast Casserole because it’s the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence in an Easy Brunch Casserole. The custardy bread paired with bursting blueberries creates a balance of sweetness and richness that feels like a treat. I can prep it the night before, making it a stress-free option for busy mornings or hosting brunch. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy touch, and the optional powdered sugar or maple syrup drizzle makes it extra special. It’s a showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need for Blueberry French Toast Casserole (serves 8):

1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
2 cups fresh blueberries
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for serving)

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap

Ingredient Tips

French Bread: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best custard absorption.
Blueberries: Fresh for vibrant flavor; frozen work if drained.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream for richness; swap cream for more milk for a lighter version.
Maple Syrup: Pure for best flavor; honey can substitute.
Spices: Freshly ground nutmeg enhances the cozy flavor.

Directions for Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Let’s create this delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole!

Prepare the Baking Dish

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Casserole

I arrange the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. I sprinkle 2 cups of fresh blueberries over the bread, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for bursts of flavor in every bite.

Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ¼ tsp salt until smooth and well combined.

Soak and Chill

I pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing the bread gently to ensure it soaks up the liquid. I cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Blueberry French Toast Casserole for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the bread absorb the custard.

Bake and Serve

I remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. I drizzle 2 tbsp melted butter over the top and bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden and set. After cooling slightly, I dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional) and serve with extra maple syrup on the side.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Servings: 8
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 10g protein, 12g fat, 2g fiber

Variations for Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Try these twists on Blueberry French Toast Casserole:

Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a textured Easy Brunch Casserole.
Berry Mix: Swap blueberries for raspberries or strawberries for a vibrant Easy Brunch Casserole.
Lighter Version: Use all milk instead of cream for a lower-fat option.
Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a mix of ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour, and 1 tbsp butter for a crunchy top.
Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the custard for a bright flavor.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade for a refreshing brunch combo.
Serve with bacon or sausage for a hearty Easy Brunch Casserole spread.
Offer at a holiday brunch with coffee or mimosas for a festive touch.

Storage

I store leftover Blueberry French Toast Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, I let the baked casserole cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes. I add fresh maple syrup or powdered sugar just before serving to keep toppings fresh.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole in the baking dish or sliced on a platter for a rustic look.
Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle extra maple syrup for sweetness.
Pairing: Enjoy with hot coffee, tea, or orange juice to complement Blueberry French Toast Casserole.
Temperature: Serve warm for the best custardy texture.
Portion Size: One-eighth of the casserole per person for a satisfying serving.

FAQs About Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared the night before. Just assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next morning, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Can I freeze Blueberry French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–40 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, I’ve tried this with brioche, challah, and even whole wheat bread, and they all work great. The key is to use a sturdy bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart.

What other fruit can I use in this casserole?
While blueberries are my go-to, I’ve swapped them out for raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. I’ve also mixed different berries together for a berry medley, and it’s always delicious!

Can I make this casserole without the cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the heavy cream and use extra milk. The custard will still turn out creamy and delicious.

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Conclusion

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish for breakfast or brunch when I want something comforting and flavorful. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and has a delightful mix of textures with the soft, custardy bread and juicy blueberries. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a special weekend breakfast, or just because I want a treat, this casserole always hits the spot.