If you love waking up to a warm, comforting, and luscious breakfast, then this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine cubes of day-old French bread soaked in a creamy custard bursting with vanilla and cinnamon, layered with juicy blueberries, then topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that bakes to golden perfection. It’s an effortless way to impress everyone at your brunch table without spending hours in the kitchen the morning of. This recipe not only delivers incredible flavor but also magical textures that meld together beautifully by morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the rich, tender, and flavorful layers of this casserole—from the sturdy bread that holds up after soaking to the burst of blueberries nesting between every bite.
- Day-old French bread, 1 loaf, cubed: Perfect for absorbing the custard without turning mushy;
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, 2 cups: They add a natural fruity brightness and lovely purple pops of color;
- Large eggs, 8: The base of the custard, making it rich and creamy;
- Whole milk, 2 cups: Contributes to the luscious custard texture;
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Intensifies the creaminess and richness;
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Sweetens the custard gently without overpowering;
- Brown sugar, 1/4 cup (plus 1/3 cup for topping): Adds warmth and a slight caramel undertone;
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Infuses the custard with a cozy, aromatic sweetness;
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (plus 1/2 teaspoon for topping): Brings that classic comforting spice note;
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances out sweetness and enhances flavor;
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons melted (plus 1/4 cup cold, cubed for topping): Ensures richness in the custard and flakiness in the topping;
- All-purpose flour, 1/3 cup (for topping): Helps create a crumbly, tender streusel topping.
How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Blueberries
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, which will house the casserole and make cleanup easier. Layer half of the day-old French bread cubes evenly into the dish, then scatter half of your blueberries on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining bread and blueberries, ensuring even distribution. This layering makes sure every forkful has tantalizing bursts of blueberry surrounded by soft, custardy bread.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is silky smooth and slightly frothy. This custard is the magic that soaks into the bread, transforming it into creamy golden deliciousness.
Step 3: Assemble and Refrigerate
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Press down gently on the bread cubes with the back of a spoon or your hands to help them soak up the custard fully. Then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the bread absorb just the right amount of custard.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the cold, cubed butter into this mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will add a beautiful crunch and a sweet contrast to the soft French toast underneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Remove the casserole from the fridge, sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the surface, then bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown crust and custard that is set firmly in the center. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven before serving to allow everything to settle and flavors to intensify.
How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this casserole, dust it lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle warm maple syrup over each slice just before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream also add a lovely fresh or creamy touch that complements the sweetness perfectly. These simple garnishes not only make the dish look irresistible but also enhance the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausages. Adding a side of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can balance the sweetness and provide a protein boost to your breakfast table. For a brunch crowd, consider fresh squeezed orange juice or coffee to complete the spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch or layer it in a trifle dish with extra blueberries and whipped cream between layers. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or almonds on top for extra texture and flavor contrast. The versatility in presentation makes this recipe a total winner for both casual mornings and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which is rare—they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tastes just as delicious cold but warming it up ensures that the custard softens and the flavors bloom once again.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick breakfast fix, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw first to ensure the center heats evenly. A quick zap in the microwave works too but may sacrifice some of the crisp topping’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?
Day-old French bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy, but you can substitute with brioche, challah, or even a sturdy sourdough for different textures and flavors.
Do I need to thaw frozen blueberries before baking?
No need to thaw frozen blueberries. They can be added directly to the casserole; as they bake, they’ll release their juices and create lovely pockets of flavor throughout the dish.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers, you could adapt this recipe to be dairy-free or vegan, but it may change the texture and richness slightly.
How long should I let the casserole soak before baking?
For best results, refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight or at least 6 hours. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly for a custardy, tender bite.
Can I prepare this casserole for a large crowd?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients and use larger baking dishes. This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe scales up beautifully for feeding a crowd with minimal extra effort.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to a dish as comforting and beautiful as this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe. It brings people together effortlessly and fills the kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every luscious, blueberry-studded bite as much as I do. Breakfast just got a whole lot better!
Print
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus overnight chill
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole combines day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard with fresh or frozen blueberries, then baked to golden perfection with a crumbly cinnamon-brown sugar topping. It’s a make-ahead breakfast or brunch favorite that’s deliciously comforting and bursting with fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Bread and Blueberries: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish and sprinkle with half of the blueberries. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries to form two layers.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread in Custard: Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard fully.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add Topping & Bake: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the soaked casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to prevent sogginess.
- Serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired for added flavor.
