This Blueberry French Toast Casserole brings together fluffy bread, juicy blueberries, and a sweet, eggy mixture. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch with friends!
I love making this dish the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning and enjoy its yummy aroma while you sip your coffee. Can’t beat that! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: For the best texture, use brioche or challah. They soak up the egg mixture nicely. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole grain bread works too. You can even use gluten-free bread if needed!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are great, but you can also use frozen ones if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand. They’ll be just as tasty!
Nuts: I love adding pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free dish, leave them out or substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you could swap it with half-and-half or even whole milk if you want to cut down on fat. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk.
How Do You Ensure a Fluffy Casserole?
The key to a fluffy and moist casserole lies in the soaking process. Letting the bread absorb the custard overnight creates a wonderful texture. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing the custard, pour it over the bread and berries, then gently press down. This helps the bread soak up the liquid.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate. Overnight soaking gives the best results, but at least 2 hours works too!
- Before baking, let it sit on the counter for a bit to take the chill off. This helps it cook evenly.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, fluffy casserole ready for breakfast or brunch. Enjoy every bite!
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 12 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt, for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and then at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge (or you can leave it overnight). Baking the casserole takes 45-50 minutes. Overall, you are looking at about 1 hour and 5-10 minutes to serve after the chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will keep your casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve!
2. Arranging the Bread and Blueberries:
Evenly spread the bread cubes across the bottom of the baking dish. Scatter those beautiful fresh blueberries on top of the bread. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over everything for a delicious crunch!
3. Mixing the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This creamy custard will soak into the bread perfectly!
4. Combining Everything:
Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries. Use a spatula to press down on the bread slightly, helping it absorb the custard. This ensures every piece gets coated and soaked!
5. Buttering the Top:
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This will give it a rich flavor and beautiful golden color while baking.
6. Chilling:
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial because it allows the bread to soak up all that delicious custard.
7. Baking Time:
When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while your oven preheats. Take off the foil and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Final Touches:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
9. Serving:
Cut into squares and serve warm, topped with extra blueberries, a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole!
This dish is perfect for brunch and will surely impress your friends and family. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Stale bread works wonderfully in this recipe as it will absorb the custard more effectively. Just cut it into cubes and proceed with the recipe as usual!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
What’s a Good Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or almond milk instead!