If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s bursting with fresh flavor and ease, this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender cubes of day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard infused with cinnamon and vanilla, beautifully layered with juicy blueberries, and topped with a buttery crumb topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the perfect dish to prepare ahead of time and wake up to a warm, comforting meal that feels like a special occasion without any stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and visual appeal. From the sturdy day-old French bread that soaks up all the custard without becoming soggy, to the luscious blueberries that add a burst of tangy sweetness, these simple staples come together to create magic.
- Day-old French bread, 1 loaf, cubed: Slightly stale bread prevents sogginess and holds the custard beautifully.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, 2 cups: Adds juicy bursts of flavor and lovely pops of color throughout.
- Large eggs, 8: The base of the custard, providing structure and richness.
- Whole milk, 2 cups: Adds creamy body to the custard for a smooth texture.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Boosts the richness and silky mouthfeel of the custard.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Sweetens the custard subtly without overpowering.
- Brown sugar, 1/4 cup (plus 1/3 cup for topping): Offers caramel notes and deep sweetness to the casserole and topping.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and taste.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (plus 1/2 teaspoon for topping): Adds a comforting spice that complements blueberries perfectly.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons melted (plus 1/4 cup cold cubed for topping): Adds richness and helps create a crumbly, golden topping.
- All-purpose flour, 1/3 cup (for topping): Creates the perfect crumb texture for the topping.
How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layer
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. Then, arrange half of the cubed French bread evenly on the bottom of the dish. Scatter half of the blueberries right over this layer to distribute fruity pops throughout the bake. Repeat this process with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries to create two luscious layers of bread and berries.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Whisk until the custard is smooth and well combined, as this silky mixture is what will soak into the bread, giving it that irresistible custard-soaked texture.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries in the baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press the bread down to help it absorb all of the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. This step lets the flavors meld together and allows the bread to fully soak up the custard.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping and Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Stir together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl. Cut the cold, cubed butter into this mixture with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle this crumb mixture over the soaked casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to firm up slightly.
How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving or drizzle warm maple syrup for an extra hint of sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can add a touch of color and creaminess to each slice, making every bite feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast, or a fresh fruit salad to keep things light and refreshing. A simple cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the casserole in individual ramekins layered with extra blueberries and crumble on top for charming single portions. Alternatively, layering the casserole with other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries adds a unique twist while keeping the classic appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy delicious breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, prepare the casserole fully, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing leftovers after baking, cut into portions and place in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 325°F oven until heated through. This will restore that just-baked texture and bring back the comforting aromas.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While day-old French bread is ideal because of its sturdiness, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale to avoid sogginess.
Do I have to use fresh blueberries, or can I use frozen?
You can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing them first. They work just as well and can be a convenient, year-round option.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based milks and use dairy-free butter. To make it vegan, you’ll also need to replace the eggs with an egg substitute like flax eggs or a commercial vegan egg replacer, but keep in mind the texture will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?
Using day-old or slightly stale bread is the best way to prevent sogginess because it absorbs the custard without falling apart. Also, pressing the bread gently into the custard helps it soak evenly but not excessively.
Can I add other fruits or flavors to this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can mix in raspberries, sliced peaches, or even diced apples with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a seasonal twist. Just adjust the sugar slightly if adding sweeter fruits.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about waking up to this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe ready to bake and fill your kitchen with its heavenly aroma. It’s a perfect way to impress guests or treat your family without extra morning effort. I encourage you to try it out and enjoy a slice of pure comfort and joy at your breakfast table.
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Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Featuring layers of day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, scattered with juicy blueberries, and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, this casserole bakes to a golden perfection. The overnight soaking allows the bread to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a creamy, tender interior with a crisp, sweet topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer the bread and blueberries: Arrange half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish, then scatter half of the blueberries over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries to form a layered base.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture resembling coarse crumbs.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the soaked casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set up for easier slicing. Serve warm with optional powdered sugar or warm maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy by better soaking the custard.
- If using frozen blueberries, add them directly to the casserole without thawing to avoid excess moisture.
- For extra sweetness and flavor, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle warm maple syrup before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
