Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

🍞 Overview

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast (or dessert) that feels like a cross between bread pudding and classic French toast — rich, custardy, and studded with bursts of sweet-tart blueberries. When baked, the top becomes golden and slightly crisp while the interior stays soft, creamy, and perfumed with vanilla and cinnamon.

This dish is beloved for family brunches, Sunday mornings, or any time you want something that feels both indulgent and homemade. It can be assembled the night before, left to soak overnight, and baked fresh in the morning — making it perfect for holidays or lazy weekends.

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🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the casserole:

• 1 loaf day-old French bread or brioche (about 10 cups, cubed)

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• 8 large eggs

• 2 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

• Pinch of salt

• Butter for greasing the dish

For the streusel topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes

Optional extras:

• Zest of one lemon (adds brightness to the blueberries)

• A drizzle of maple syrup or blueberry compote for serving

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🔪 Preparation

Step 1 — Prepare the bread base

1. Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch cubes. Day-old bread is best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.

2. Butter a large 9x13-inch baking dish generously.

3. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

4. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread.

5. Layer the remaining bread cubes and top with the rest of the blueberries.

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Step 2 — Make the custard mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.

2. Slowly pour the mixture over the layered bread and blueberries, ensuring every piece gets moistened.

3. Lightly press down the bread with a spatula so it soaks up the custard evenly.

If making ahead, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours). If baking immediately, let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to absorb the mixture.

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Step 3 — Prepare the streusel topping

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked bread.

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Step 4 — Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out mostly clean but moist).

3. For a crisper top, bake an extra 5 minutes.

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Step 5 — Serve

Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The casserole will firm up slightly as it rests.

Serve warm with:

• A dusting of powdered sugar,

• A drizzle of maple syrup,

• A spoonful of blueberry sauce or lemon glaze,

• Or a dollop of whipped cream.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast & Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a complete spread.

• Dessert Twist: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche for an elegant after-dinner treat.

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the night before and refrigerate; bake fresh in the morning for easy entertaining.

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💡 Chef’s Tips

• Bread choice matters: Brioche gives a buttery, dessert-like richness; French bread gives a more classic texture.

• Blueberry variation: Mix in raspberries or blackberries for a mixed-berry version.

• Lemon zest & juice: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and zest to the custard for brightness.

• Storage: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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❤️ Why It Works

This casserole combines all the comforting elements of French toast — warm bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and spice — but transforms them into something more luxurious and effortless. The juicy blueberries melt into the custard, creating pockets of flavor, while the crumbly streusel adds texture and sweetness on top.

A golden, bubbling dish that fills the kitchen with the scent of vanilla, butter, and berries — the perfect beginning to a beautiful day.

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