Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
What’s better than regular French toast? A warm, gooey blueberry French toast casserole that you can make ahead! This breakfast favorite combines classic French toast flavors with a creamy cream cheese filling and bursts of fresh blueberries for a delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus 2 cups for egg mixture)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split
- 3 cups blueberries, divided
- 2 loaves cubed French bread
- 8 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: Layer the bottom of a 10×14-inch baking dish with half of the bread cubes. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over this layer, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined. Pour this custard mixture over the layered bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Sprinkle the last cup of blueberries evenly on top.
- Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 6: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Step 7: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and stay moist.
Tips & Variations
- Use slightly stale French bread or dry fresh bread in the oven for better custard absorption.
- Swap fresh blueberries with frozen ones or use raspberries or blackberries for different berry flavors.
- Replace cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta, adjusting sugar to taste.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger with the cinnamon for a unique spice twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread will continue to absorb flavors, making it even tastier. This casserole freezes well either before or after baking; freeze unbaked for up to 2 months and baked portions for up to 1 month. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or larger portions in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, challah, brioche, or regular white bread work well too, as long as they are slightly stale to soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
Do I need to thaw frozen blueberries before adding them?
No need to thaw frozen blueberries before adding them to the casserole; they can be used directly and will bake perfectly within the dish.
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Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a make-ahead breakfast delight featuring a creamy cream cheese layer and bursts of fresh blueberries. Cubes of slightly stale French bread soak in a spiced egg custard, then bake to golden perfection, offering a gooey, flavorful twist on classic French toast. Perfect for busy mornings or special gatherings, this casserole blends the best of French toast and blueberry cheesecake into one comforting dish.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split
- 1 cup blueberries
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves French bread, cubed (preferably slightly stale)
Egg Mixture
- 2 cups milk
- 8 eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (1 tsp used in cream cheese mixture + 1 tsp here)
- 1 cup blueberries
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 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 cream cheese mixture evenly over this layer, then top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.
- Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of milk, 8 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this custard evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish, making sure all bread cubes are soaked. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries evenly on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown and slightly puffed, about 30 minutes more. Total baking time is approximately 75 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean with few moist crumbs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow it to set while retaining moisture. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh berries, or savory sides like bacon or sausage.
Notes
- Use slightly stale French bread or lightly dry fresh bread in the oven to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute fresh blueberries with frozen berries or other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- Replace cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta if preferred; adjust sugar accordingly.
- Warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are key; consider adding cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months unbaked and 1 month baked.
- Reheat in microwave or oven covered with foil at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking to finish setting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blueberry French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, cream cheese French toast, baked French toast, easy breakfast casserole
