I have this memory of waking up on Christmas morning, the scent of cinnamon and something sweet filling the air, that always makes me smile.
My mom’s Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole was her holiday specialty; a tradition I’ve happily carried on. This recipe, which requires just a little patience (about 3 hours total, including chilling), is now a staple in my own home.
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Why You’ll Love This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Easy Prep: I love that I can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet blueberries, warm cinnamon, and a crispy streusel topping is just divine.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s always a hit at brunches and potlucks, guaranteed to disappear quickly!
- Adaptable: It’s easy to change up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Tell Me About This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Imagine biting into a warm, comforting square of blueberry goodness. The top layer is a golden-brown, buttery streusel, giving way to a soft, custardy interior soaked with sweet blueberries.
It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors, not overly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. I especially love how the blueberries burst in your mouth, adding a little pop of fruity delight with every bite.
In addition to this casserole, you can also try this Ultimate Fall Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast Recipe for another twist on the classic breakfast.
Ingredients for the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- 1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, brioche, or challah*: The bread forms the base of the casserole, soaking up all the delicious custard. For a gluten-free option, I recommend using a gluten-free brioche or challah-style bread.
- 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries*: Blueberries provide a burst of juicy sweetness. Feel free to use other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- 8 large eggs: Eggs are essential for the custard, binding everything together and adding richness.
- 2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk: Milk creates the creamy custard base. For a dairy-free alternative, I often use almond or oat milk.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the custard.
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar sweetens the custard and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/3 cup (69g) packed light or dark brown sugar: This is for the streusel topping, providing sweetness and contributing to its crispness.
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): Flour helps create the crumbly texture of the streusel. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend here.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This enhances the warm, spiced notes of the streusel.
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is crucial for a crumbly streusel topping.
- optional: extra blueberries, maple syrup, and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping: For added flavor and presentation.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: I prefer using a glass baking dish, like a Pyrex, as it distributes heat evenly.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the custard ingredients.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: To prepare the streusel topping.
- Whisk: To blend the custard ingredients smoothly.
- Pastry Blender or Two Forks: For cutting the cold butter into the flour mixture for the streusel.
Choosing the Right Bread
- French Bread: This is my go-to choice. It’s sturdy enough to hold its shape and has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Sourdough Bread: Adds a subtle tangy flavor. The texture becomes wonderfully chewy after soaking.
- Brioche: Creates an extra-rich and decadent casserole due to its high butter and egg content.
- Challah: Similar to brioche, challah is soft and slightly sweet, making for a delicious and moist casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray. Slice, then cut the bread into cubes, about 1 inch in size. Spread cubes into the prepared baking pan and top evenly with blueberries. Set aside.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla together until no brown sugar lumps remain. Pour over the bread. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for 3–24 hours. Overnight is best.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove pan from the refrigerator.
- Whisk the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Cut in the cubed butter with a pastry blender or two forks. Sprinkle the topping over the soaked bread.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until golden-brown on top. I usually bake it for 45 minutes because I like it softer.
- Serve warm. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The beauty of this casserole is that it’s meant to be made ahead! After pouring the custard over the bread and blueberries, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. I find that chilling it for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight (up to 24 hours), allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
If baking straight from the fridge after a long chill, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the center is fully cooked. For another amazing make-ahead recipe, consider these Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls: An Ultimate Recipe.
A Note on the Streusel Topping
That golden, crumbly streusel topping? It’s what makes this casserole truly special. The key is using cold, cubed butter. I like to use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well), rolled oats for a heartier texture, or a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for added warmth.
Variations & Flavor Combinations
| Ingredient Swap | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Lemon Zest | Bright, citrusy |
| Chopped Pecans | Nutty, crunchy |
| Chocolate Chips | Decadent, rich |
| Cardamom or Nutmeg | Warm, spiced |
| Strawberries & Cream Cheese | Berry, tangy, creamy |
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Casserole is too dry | Use more custard mixture, or add a splash of milk before baking. |
| Topping is burning | Tent the casserole with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. |
| Bread is soggy | Make sure to bake long enough and let it cool slightly before serving. |
Serving Suggestions
This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole is fantastic on its own, but I also love serving it with:
- Sides: Crispy bacon or sausage, a fresh fruit salad, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Drinks: Freshly squeezed orange juice, mimosas, or a warm cup of coffee.
- Garnishes: A drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, or a sprinkle of fresh blueberries.
For a Spring Brunch, I’d pair this casserole with a light lemon and herb salad and a refreshing elderflower spritzer.
For a Holiday Brunch, I’d add a side of cranberry sauce and a festive cranberry-orange mimosa. If you’re planning a larger gathering, check out our other breakfast and brunch recipes for more inspiration.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To reheat, I prefer using the oven to maintain the texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bread?
I don’t recommend it. The texture will be altered.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are delicious.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Tent the casserole with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, use an 8×8 inch pan and halve all the ingredients. Adjust baking time accordingly.
It is important to note that the Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods is based on dietary recommendations for Americans, so this recipe can be adjusted based on the Nutrition Facts Label and Your Health.
If you are looking for credible information to help you make healthful eating choices, you can also visit Nutrition.gov.
I hope you enjoy my mom’s Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole as much as my family does! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a tradition that will surely become a favorite in your home too. Happy baking!
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Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray. Slice, then cut the bread into cubes, about 1 inch in size. Spread cubes into the prepared baking pan and top evenly with blueberries. Set aside.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla together until no brown sugar lumps remain. Pour over the bread. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for 3–24 hours. Overnight is best.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove pan from the refrigerator.
- Whisk the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Cut in the cubed butter with a pastry blender or two forks. Sprinkle the topping over the soaked bread.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until golden-brown on top. I usually bake it for 45 minutes because I like it softer.
- Serve warm. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
