If you are on the hunt for a show-stopping, cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug, the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is going to steal your heart. This delightful dish marries the tart juiciness of fresh blueberries with the creamy richness of softened cream cheese, all soaked in a dreamy custard and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving a comforting weekend treat, this casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both elegant and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe, it will become your go-to breakfast celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic behind this dish. Each element contributes essential flavor, color, and texture that makes the casserole truly sing. These simple staples combine to create a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, sweet, and custardy goodness.
- French bread or brioche (1 loaf, 14–16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes): Slightly stale bread works best for absorbing that luscious custard without falling apart.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 cup): Adds vibrant bursts of juicy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color throughout the casserole.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cut into small cubes): This is the star that creates the creamy pockets amid the bread for richness and tang.
- Large eggs (8): Eggs act as the firm custard base, bringing structure and a velvety texture to the dish.
- Whole milk (2½ cups): Adds creaminess and moisture, blending beautifully with the eggs to form the custard.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Elevates the custard’s smoothness and indulgent mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Delivers just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tangy cream cheese and berries.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and aromatic depth for a comforting flavor lift.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle hint of spice that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the tastes, balancing sweetness and richness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup (for serving): The finishing touch to add a little extra sweetness and visual appeal before digging in.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Layers
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Layer half of your cubed French bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then scatter half of the cream cheese cubes and blueberries over the bread. Repeat this layering process with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and blueberries. This layering technique ensures every forkful has a delicious balance of creamy cheese, fruity bursts, and soft bread.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth. This custard mixture is what transforms the bread into a luxuriously rich breakfast bake. The sugar balances the tartness of the cream cheese and blueberries, while the cinnamon and vanilla impart cozy warmth.
Step 3: Soak and Refrigerate
Pour the custard gently yet evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries. Gently press down the layers with a spatula to help the custard soak into every piece. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb all that creamy goodness fully.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it warm up to room temperature while the oven heats. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is fully set—no jiggly custard here! Let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes so the casserole firms up a bit more.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of serving this casserole is its naturally stunning presentation—chaotic cubes of golden bread dotted with blueberries and creamy cheese. Dusting the top with powdered sugar adds a delicate snowy effect, while a drizzle of warm maple syrup brings that classic sweet finish. Fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint make for pretty, fresh garnishes that invite guests to dive in.
Side Dishes
Although this casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, pairing it with crisp bacon or sausage adds a savory counterpoint that’s hard to resist. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette also complements the richness beautifully, rounding out your brunch plate with a fresh brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a whimsical brunch, serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch. You can also transform it into a portable treat by cutting slices and wrapping them up for a delicious breakfast-to-go. For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or a buttery streusel topping just before baking to add texture and an irresistible aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftover Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as enjoyable as the fresh bake.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble it as directed, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. For freezing leftovers, wrap individual slices well and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through to keep the crust crisp. Microwave reheating is quicker but may lead to a softer texture. A warm slice tastes almost as heavenly as fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh and add the same burst of fruity flavor. Just be sure to thaw and drain them slightly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole before baking?
Yes, chilling the casserole allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, giving you that perfect custardy interior and rich flavor in every bite. Overnight refrigeration is ideal but at least 4 hours works well too.
Can I substitute another type of bread for French bread or brioche?
While French bread or brioche are best for texture and flavor, you can experiment with challah, sourdough, or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just avoid breads that are too soft or crumbly as they may become mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for a non-dairy cream cheese option, use plant-based milk and cream substitutes, and check your sugar and bread choices for any hidden dairy ingredients.
What can I do to add more texture or crunch?
Adding a streusel topping or sprinkling chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts before baking adds a wonderful crunchy contrast to the soft casserole.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch game. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and custardy goodness baked into one soul-satisfying dish. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it for every special morning to come!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling or overnight)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish featuring layers of cubed brioche bread, fresh blueberries, and creamy cheese soaked in a rich custard. Perfect for make-ahead mornings, it bakes to a golden perfection with a soft, custardy interior and a slightly crispy top, served with powdered sugar or warm maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf (14–16 oz) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
- Layer the Bread and Fillings: Place half of the cubed bread evenly on the bottom of the dish. Scatter half of the cream cheese cubes and blueberries over this layer. Repeat by adding the remaining bread cubes, cream cheese, and blueberries in the same manner to form a second layer.
- Whisk Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries. Press down very gently with a spatula or your hands to make sure all the bread cubes absorb the custard.
- Chill: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating a creamy texture after baking.
- Preheat Oven: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar or serving warm with maple syrup for extra sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly dried-out bread to help the cubes absorb the custard better.
- Blueberries can be substituted with raspberries or a mix of your favorite berries for different flavor variations.
- For added texture and crunch, sprinkle streusel topping or chopped nuts over the casserole before baking.
