I remember the first time I made Blueberry French Toast Casserole after a long week—it felt like a cozy hug on a plate. Prepping it the night before took the morning stress away, and waking up to that warm, sweet aroma was pure comfort. This foolproof casserole recipe quickly became my go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing weekend brunches.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before to wake up to a stress-free, delicious brunch.
- Totally Customizable: Offers three amazing versions to fit your mood—classic, cream cheese stuffed, and lemon & ricotta.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy custard-soaked bread without any sogginess, just the right balance.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet blueberries and a crispy brown sugar streusel make it a favorite for any gathering, much like our ultimate classic sugar cookies.
Key Ingredients for Your Casserole
The magic starts with the ingredients. Whole milk creates a rich, velvety custard that soaks into the bread perfectly. Brown sugar adds depth and warmth, which white sugar can’t match alone. Fresh or frozen blueberries bring juicy bursts of flavor, and a hint of cinnamon rounds everything with gentle spice. Together, these ingredients create layers of comforting flavor.
The Best Bread for French Toast Casserole
Choosing the right bread is key. Challah, brioche, sourdough, or French bread all work beautifully—each adds its own texture and richness. Stale bread is best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. Drying the cubes helps maintain that fluffy interior and crisp edges after baking.
How to Quickly Stale Bread
If you don’t have stale bread, no worries. Simply cube it and spread evenly on a baking sheet. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 15-20 minutes until dry but not toasted. This quick step ensures your casserole won’t get soggy.
How to Make the Perfect Blueberry French Toast Casserole (Step-by-Step)
This classic casserole features a luscious custard-soaked bread base, fresh blueberries, and a brown sugar streusel topping that bakes golden and crisp. Here’s how to bring it all together in your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, brioche, or challah*
1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries*
8 large eggs
2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup (69g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional: extra blueberries, maple syrup, and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping
*(a 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish is perfect for this)
*(consider vanilla bean paste for an extra flavor boost)*
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray. Slice and cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread cubes evenly in the pan and sprinkle blueberries on top. Set aside.
- Make the Custard: Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla until no lumps remain. Pour evenly over the bread cubes. Cover tightly and refrigerate 3–24 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove casserole from fridge.
- Make the Streusel: In a bowl, whisk brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold cubed butter with a pastry blender or forks until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle topping evenly over soaked bread.
- Bake: Bake 45–55 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown. I usually bake 45 minutes for a softer texture.
- Serve and Store: Serve warm. Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for 2–3 days.
Aisha’s Secret for Extra-Crispy Streusel
Want a streusel topping that’s extra crisp and crumbly? Try grating frozen butter directly into the flour mixture instead of cubing. These tiny pockets of butter melt during baking for a texture that’s light and crackly. Adding a tablespoon of rolled oats to the streusel mix also boosts the crunch—it’s a trick that always gets rave reviews.
Delicious Variations (Your Casserole, Your Way!)
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is versatile, and I love how it lets you pick your favorite flavor vibe. Here are two more ways to make it your own:
Cream Cheese Stuffed Variation
Add a luscious creamy layer for a cheesecake-like surprise.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz (225g), softened |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/4 cup (50g) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon (5ml) |
How to Make it:
Arrange half of the bread cubes in the pan. Drop teaspoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes, then proceed with custard and streusel as usual.
Lemon & Ricotta Variation
For a bright, fresh twist with lighter texture and flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ricotta Cheese | 1 cup (250g) |
| Lemon Zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Light Brown Sugar | Reduce by 1/4 cup in custard |
How to Make it:
Gently fold ricotta and lemon zest into the blueberries before spreading over the bread cubes. Use less brown sugar in the custard to balance the lemon’s brightness. Follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole Every Time
- To prevent a soggy bottom: Lightly dust the bottom of your greased baking dish with fine breadcrumbs before adding bread cubes.
- For perfectly clean slices: Let the casserole rest 15-20 minutes after baking; this helps the custard set.
- In a hurry? (Non-Overnight Option): Soak bread 1-2 hours at room temperature. Texture won’t be as creamy but still tasty.
- Troubleshooting:
- Why is my casserole dry? Not enough custard or soaked too long. Try soaking overnight and ensure the custard fully covers the bread.
- Why did my streusel melt? Butter was probably too soft before mixing. Use cold or frozen butter and handle quickly.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
You can refrigerate the fully assembled casserole (with custard and streusel) for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers store in the fridge, tightly covered, for 2-3 days.
To freeze: Assemble the casserole without adding the streusel topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge. Add the streusel topping just before baking and expect to bake 10-15 minutes longer than usual.
Substitutions & Scaling Your Casserole
| Ingredient | Gluten-Free Substitute | Dairy-Free Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | Gluten-free challah or brioche (e.g., Canyon Bakehouse, Schar) | Same gluten-free bread options |
| Whole Milk | Use full-fat oat milk or canned coconut milk | Full-fat oat milk or canned coconut milk |
| Unsalted Butter | Use vegan butter sticks (e.g., Earth Balance) | Vegan butter sticks |
Scaling Down:
For an 8×8 pan, halve all ingredients and reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes. Always check doneness with a toothpick or visual cues.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cube the bread (about 1 inch), add to the pan, and scatter blueberries over top.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth; pour evenly over the bread. Cover tightly and refrigerate 3–24 hours (overnight best).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the pan from the refrigerator.
- For streusel, whisk brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon; cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until golden on top and set in the center (45 minutes for softer, more custardy texture).
- Serve warm with extra blueberries, maple syrup, and/or confectioners’ sugar. Cover leftovers and refrigerate 2–3 days.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Blueberry French Toast Casserole with other berries?
Yes! Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend for different flavors.
What’s the difference between using fresh vs. frozen blueberries?
Frozen blueberries work just as well; they soak into the casserole and release their juices gently. Fresh provide a firmer burst of flavor.
Can I use regular sandwich bread?
While possible, sandwich bread tends to be too soft and may lead to a soggier casserole. I recommend sturdier bread like brioche or challah.
Do I have to add the streusel topping?
No, but it adds a wonderful crunchy texture and sweetness that balances the custard and berries nicely.
What to Serve with Blueberry French Toast Casserole
To create a full brunch spread alongside this dish, consider adding:
- Crispy oven-baked bacon
- Flavorful breakfast sausage patties
- A simple fresh fruit salad
These crowd-pleasers pair perfectly with the richness of the casserole and keep your meal balanced and delicious.
Conclusion & Share Your Creations!
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is truly one of my favorites—easy, flexible, and full of comforting flavor. Whether you stick to the classic or try the cream cheese or lemon ricotta versions, you’re in for a treat. I can’t wait for you to try it! Which version will you make first? Let me know in the comments below. If you have questions, just ask. Happy baking!
