If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe. This delightful casserole combines the pillowy softness of French bread with bursts of fresh blueberries and pockets of creamy, dreamy cream cheese, all soaked in a rich custard mixture and baked to golden perfection. It’s cozy, sweet, and just the right balance of textures to make your mornings extra special, whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is both simple and satisfying. Each element plays a vital role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and a splash of color to create that irresistible breakfast you’ll crave again and again.
- French bread (about 14 oz): Opt for a slightly stale loaf; it soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): Cubed into small pieces for creamy pockets that melt perfectly during baking.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 ½ cups): Bursting with natural sweetness and a vibrant purple hue that makes the dish pop.
- Large eggs (8): The backbone of the custard, binding everything together with richness.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and depth to the custard base.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Enhances the silkiness and indulgence factor of the casserole.
- Maple syrup or honey (â…“ cup): Provides just the right touch of natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spiced note that complements the blueberries perfectly.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Drizzled on top for a golden, crisp finish.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the baking dish and layer the bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. Then, evenly layer half of the cubed French bread across the bottom of the dish, creating a sturdy base for the layers to come.
Step 2: Add cream cheese and blueberries
Scatter the cream cheese cubes and fresh or frozen blueberries on top of the first bread layer. This creates those delightful pockets of creaminess and juicy fruit throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Add the remaining bread cubes
Place the remaining bread cubes evenly over the cream cheese and blueberries, forming the top layer that will soak up the custard mixture.
Step 4: Whisk together the custard mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth and fully blended to create that rich custard that seeps into every bread cube.
Step 5: Pour custard over the bread layers
Evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread, pressing down gently to encourage all the cubes to absorb the liquid. This makes sure every bite turns out perfectly moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Refrigerate and soak overnight
Cover your dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This step allows the custard to soak deeply, letting all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Bake to golden perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole, then cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole turns golden brown and the custard is completely set.
Step 8: Let it rest before serving
Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This lets the custard firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors before you dig in.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar offers a delicate sweetness and pretty finish. Drizzling warm maple syrup or a homemade blueberry compote will amp up the fruity charm and sweetness, making each serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Complement this casserole with fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance or crispy bacon for a salty contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy touch that pairs wonderfully with the warm, fruity casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Use pretty individual ramekins for serving at a brunch party to make each guest feel pampered. Or turn this casserole into mini muffins by baking the batter in a muffin tin for grab-and-go convenience. Either way, presentation can bring new excitement to this classic favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks during a busy week.
Freezing
Freeze leftover portions in individual airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting breakfast, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture and warmth. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals to avoid sogginess, and consider a quick toast in a skillet for a crispy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing. They hold up well during baking and release beautiful juices that soak into the custard.
Is it necessary to soak the casserole overnight?
While soaking overnight gives the best texture and flavor penetration, a minimum of 4 hours will still result in a delicious casserole if you’re short on time.
Can I substitute cream cheese with another cheese?
Cream cheese is key to that signature creamy pockets, but if you must substitute, ricotta or mascarpone can work, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some adjustments like using plant-based milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese, you can make this casserole dairy-free, but the richness will vary.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?
Using slightly stale French bread and soaking the custard just enough without over-soaking helps prevent sogginess. Also, allowing the casserole to rest after baking lets excess moisture evaporate.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is a keeper for anyone who loves breakfast that feels both indulgent and homemade with love. Whether for a slow weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, this dish brings smiles and satisfied appetites every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved tradition in your kitchen too!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a luscious, make-ahead breakfast perfect for brunch or holiday mornings. Layers of French bread, tangy cream cheese, and juicy blueberries are soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and maple syrup, then baked until golden and set. A delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
French Toast Layers
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer the Bread, Cream Cheese, and Blueberries: Place half of the French bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Distribute the cream cheese cubes and blueberries evenly over this first bread layer. Then add the remaining bread cubes on top, creating a layered structure.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Layers: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries. Press down lightly on the bread to help it absorb the custard completely for a thorough soak.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. This resting time allows the bread to soak in the custard fully, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
- Add Butter and Bake Covered: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the soaked casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the custard to set gently without drying out.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and the center is fully set and no longer jiggly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up slightly. Serve warm with optional powdered sugar, maple syrup, or blueberry compote for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them before adding to maintain texture and prevent excess moisture.
- Serve with powdered sugar, additional maple syrup, or a blueberry compote for extra sweetness and flavor.
- This casserole is ideal for making ahead the night before, making it perfect for stress-free brunch or holiday mornings.
