Blueberry French toast casserole blends custard-soaked bread, juicy berries, and streusel topping for a cozy, make-ahead brunch delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-ahead magic: Prep it the night before for an easy, no-fuss morning.
Perfectly balanced: Sweet, creamy custard meets juicy blueberries and a crisp streusel topping.

Ideal for crowds: Feeds a group with ease—great for gatherings and holidays.
Versatile: Works with fresh or frozen berries and a variety of breads.
Cozy and indulgent: Like bread pudding meets blueberry pie in breakfast form.

Ingredients

1 loaf of challah or French bread, cubed and slightly stale
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
8 large eggs

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add cubed bread and blueberries, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries.

Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 3 hours to allow the bread to soak fully.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cubed butter using a pastry cutter or forks until crumbly.

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until golden on top and set in the center.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving warm.

Servings And Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: ~320 kcal

Variations

Berry blend: Use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the streusel.
Zesty twist: Mix in a bit of lemon or orange zest to the custard.
Dairy-free option: Use almond milk and coconut cream in place of dairy.

Maple swap: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
This casserole can also be frozen (without the streusel) and baked fresh after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?

Yes, but slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better. Toasting fresh bread cubes briefly can help.

Can I make this without cream?

You can substitute more whole milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

Will frozen blueberries work?

Absolutely—no need to thaw, just toss them in frozen.

What kind of bread is best?

Challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal for their structure and flavor.

Can I bake it right away instead of refrigerating?

It’s best to let it soak, but if you’re in a hurry, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before baking.

How do I know it’s done?

The center should be set and not overly jiggly, and the top should be golden brown.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two 9×13 pans or a larger casserole dish and extend the baking time as needed.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What toppings go well with this?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or extra fresh berries are all great additions.

Can I leave out the streusel?

Yes, but it adds a nice crunch and sweetness that balances the dish.

Conclusion

Blueberry French toast casserole bliss is everything you love about breakfast in one beautiful, bake-ahead dish. It’s warm, comforting, and bursting with berry flavor, all topped with a golden, buttery crunch. Whether for holidays or lazy Sundays, this crowd-pleasing favorite will quickly become your go-to brunch star.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Bliss

Author: Chef Clara

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Blueberry French toast casserole blends custard-soaked bread, juicy berries, and streusel topping for a cozy, make-ahead brunch delight.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf of challah or French bread, cubed and slightly stale

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add bread cubes and blueberries; toss gently.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over bread mixture.

Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 3 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix streusel ingredients with pastry cutter or forks until crumbly. Sprinkle over casserole.

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden and set.

Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use brioche for a richer texture or cinnamon swirl bread for extra flavor.
Let sit 10 minutes before baking if chilled overnight.

Pairs perfectly with maple syrup or lemon glaze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Brunch

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American