Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

A delicious twist on traditional French toast, this Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole combines the richness of cream cheese with the tangy sweetness of fresh blueberries. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, this baked casserole is both easy to prepare and full of flavor. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make ahead: Prepare it the night before, and just pop it in the oven in the morning.
• Perfect balance of flavors: The sweet blueberries and rich cream cheese pair perfectly with the cinnamon and maple syrup.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether for brunch, breakfast, or even dessert, this dish is always a hit.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Comforting and indulgent: This casserole is a warm and cozy treat that feels like a hug in a dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread (preferably day-old or stale, like French bread or challah)
• Cream cheese, cut into cubes
• Fresh blueberries
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread Layer: Cut the bread into cubes and layer half of it in a greased casserole dish.
2. Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries: Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes and fresh blueberries over the bread layer.
3. Top with Remaining Bread: Add the remaining bread cubes on top.
4. Make the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
5. Pour Over the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese layers.
6. Chill: Cover the casserole and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
8. Serve: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes, then serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This casserole serves 8–10 people, depending on portion size.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: At least 2 hours (or overnight)
• Bake time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Berry swap: Substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different fruit flavor.
• Bread choice: Use brioche, sourdough, or whole-grain bread instead of French bread for a different texture.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Sweetener options: Replace the maple syrup with honey or powdered sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
• Lemon zest: Add a touch of lemon zest to the egg mixture for a bright, citrusy note.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this casserole?

You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. If freezing after baking, thaw and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What type of bread works best for this casserole?

Day-old or slightly stale bread like French bread, challah, or brioche works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used. Just thaw and drain them before adding to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?

Make sure to use slightly stale bread and allow the casserole to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, so the bread can soak up the egg mixture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milk (such as almond or coconut milk) to make this casserole dairy-free.

Can I use other fruits besides blueberries?

Absolutely! You can use raspberries, strawberries, or even diced apples for a variation of this recipe.

How long can I refrigerate leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Can I serve this casserole with toppings?

Yes, maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can also top it with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or additional fresh berries.

Is this casserole sweet?

It has a mild sweetness from the blueberries and cream cheese, but you can adjust the sweetness by serving it with more or less maple syrup.

Conclusion

This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is an easy, versatile dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or casual brunch. It’s a recipe that can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings. With its delicious combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the variations, this casserole is bound to impress your guests.

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