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Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Featured in Start Your Day Right.

You absolutely need to try this incredible French toast casserole that's completely transformed my brunch game - it's like having a fancy restaurant breakfast while lounging in your PJs! The magic happens when you layer chunks of crusty bread with fresh, juicy blueberries, then pour over this decadent custard that makes everything incredibly rich and tender. But the real showstopper is the brown sugar streusel topping that gets all crispy and caramelized in the oven. The best part? You can prep it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and enjoy the amazing aroma!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:51:24 GMT
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A slice of blueberry bread pudding topped with fresh blueberries and dusted with powdered sugar is served on a decorative plate. Pin it
A slice of blueberry bread pudding topped with fresh blueberries and dusted with powdered sugar is served on a decorative plate. | tastygusto.com

My Blueberry French Toast Casserole tastes like something between breakfast and dessert in the best possible way. Imagine warm cinnamon-spiced bread soaked in creamy custard bursting with juicy blueberries all topped with this amazing brown sugar streusel. I love making it ahead so morning prep is super easy perfect for those special breakfasts when you want something extra wonderful.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There's something magical about how the creamy custard soaks into the bread while those blueberries add little bursts of sweetness in every bite. It's my go-to recipe for holiday brunches or family gatherings because I can prep it the night before and still wow everyone with minimal morning effort.

All About That Bread

  • Type: I always reach for something substantial like challah French bread or sourdough those thin sandwich breads just won't do.
  • Getting It Ready: Slightly stale bread works best for soaking up all that custard. If your bread's fresh just pop those cubes in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
A baked blueberry dessert with a golden, crumbly topping is presented in a white dish. Pin it
A baked blueberry dessert with a golden, crumbly topping is presented in a white dish. | tastygusto.com

Making It Your Own

  • Berry Choices: Don't feel stuck with blueberries try strawberries raspberries or blackberries maybe even cranberries or apples when they're in season.
  • Timing Options: You can make it same-day but letting it rest overnight really lets those flavors develop.

That Amazing Streusel Top

The streusel is what makes this casserole extra special. Mix cold butter brown sugar flour and cinnamon until it's nice and crumbly I use a pastry blender but forks work great too. Sprinkle it all over the top before baking it adds the perfect sweet crunch to every bite.

Ways to Serve It

Try drizzling some maple syrup over top add fresh berries or dust it with powdered sugar. Want to make it a full brunch? Serve it alongside a savory breakfast casserole quiche or some fresh scones. Sometimes I'll add a dollop of whipped cream or warm blueberry sauce when I'm feeling extra fancy.

Make It Easy on Yourself

Put everything together the night before give it at least 3 hours to soak but overnight is even better. Any leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 4 days just warm them up in a 350°F oven to get that fresh-baked taste back.

A baked dish featuring golden bread cubes sprinkled with powdered sugar and dotted with dark blueberries. Pin it
A baked dish featuring golden bread cubes sprinkled with powdered sugar and dotted with dark blueberries. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different fruits?

Yes, try strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, or thinly sliced apples or pears depending on the season.

→ Why use stale bread?

Day-old crusty bread better absorbs the egg custard. You can create 'stale' bread by toasting chunks at 300°F for 10 minutes.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze unbaked up to 2 months or baked up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

→ Can I make a smaller portion?

Yes, halve the recipe and use an 8 or 9-inch pan. Reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes.

→ How long should it soak?

The casserole needs to soak for 3-24 hours, with overnight being ideal for best results.

Conclusion

This make-ahead French toast casserole combines crusty bread and blueberries with a rich egg custard and brown sugar streusel topping. Perfect for brunch and can be prepared the night before.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

An overnight French toast casserole loaded with blueberries and topped with buttery streusel. Perfect for holiday brunches and special occasions.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 12-14 oz (340-400g) French bread, sourdough bread, or challah.
02 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries.
03 8 large eggs.
04 2 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk.
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
06 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar.
07 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
08 1/3 cup (69g) packed brown sugar.
09 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour.
10 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
11 6 tablespoons (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed.

Instructions

Step 01

Grease 9x13-inch pan. Add bread cubes and blueberries.

Step 02

Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate 3-24 hours.

Step 03

Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.

Step 04

Preheat to 350°F. Add streusel topping. Bake 45-55 minutes until golden.

Notes

  1. Can be frozen up to 2 months unbaked.
  2. Can use different fruits.
  3. Day-old bread works best.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Pastry blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 9 g