There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of a warm, comforting casserole baking in the oven. It’s even better when you know it’s a dish that’s incredibly simple to put together, like a delicious blueberry French toast casserole. This dish brings together the sweet-tart goodness of fresh blueberries, the rich creaminess of eggs and milk, and the comforting texture of fluffy bread. Not only is it a delightful breakfast or brunch option, but it’s also perfect for special occasions or cozy weekend mornings with family and friends.

One of the best things about this casserole is how it can wake up your taste buds while still being incredibly easy to prepare. You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, which means you get more quality time with loved ones. It’s that blend of sweet, tender bread soaked in a creamy custard, accented by bursts of juicy blueberries, that makes it so appealing. Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can make a stunning dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Why you’ll love this

Easy to make: With just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to a delicious breakfast.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the night before to save time in the morning.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for serving family and guests at brunch or holidays.
Versatile: Enjoy it warm or cold, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar.
Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients make it easy on your wallet.

“Tastes incredible and so simple to make.”

Step-by-step overview

Making this blueberry French toast casserole is as easy as layering ingredients and letting the oven work its magic. Start by prepping the bread and blueberries, whisking together the rich egg mixture, and then layering everything in a baking dish before baking until golden brown and set.

What you’ll need

6 slices of bread
2 cups fresh blueberries
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar (for serving)

Ingredient notes & swaps

Bread: Any type of bread works well, but challah or brioche gives a rich flavor and texture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are preferred, but frozen blueberries can be used—just don’t thaw them before adding.
Milk: Whole milk creates a richer custard, but you can use any milk, including alternatives like almond or oat milk.

How to make it

With just two simple steps, you’ll have your casserole ready for the oven. It’s a straightforward process that yields mouth-watering results.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cut the bread into cubes and place half of them in the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle blueberries over the bread cubes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour the mixture over the bread and blueberries, ensuring all are coated well.
Top with the remaining bread cubes, ensuring they are covered with the egg mixture.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
Let it cool slightly before serving; dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Pro Tip: For a more custardy texture, allow the assembled casserole to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking, or overnight for a fully developed flavor.

Visual cues: Look for a golden-brown top and a slightly jiggly center when you check for doneness.

Helpful cooking tips

Use a serrated knife to cut the bread easily into cubes.
Ensure the milk and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
For added flavor, consider mixing in other spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.

Best ways to enjoy it

This blueberry French toast casserole is delightful on its own, but you can easily elevate it with some accompaniments. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, serve alongside bacon or sausages for a savory touch, or top with whipped cream for an indulgent experience. It’s also great with a scoop of yogurt for a fresh contrast.

Keeping leftovers fresh

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If making ahead, you can prepare the dish, cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.

How to fix common issues

If you encounter any issues with your casserole, here are some quick fixes:

Dry Casserole: Ensure there’s enough milk and egg mixture soaking into the bread. Consider adding a little more liquid next time.
Soggy Bottom: This can happen if the bread is too fresh. Use slightly stale or toasted bread for better absorption.
Overcooked: Be careful with baking time. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as ovens vary.

Creative twists

You can customize this casserole with a few simple swaps or add-ins. Substitute the blueberries for raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile. You can also add chocolate chips for a decadent touch or mix in nuts for crunch. A dollop of cream cheese can create creamy pockets throughout the casserole.

Common questions

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just add them directly to the dish without thawing.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Swap out the regular milk for a dairy-free milk alternative and consider using plant-based eggs or egg replacements in place of the traditional eggs.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake it in the morning.

What should I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty meal. Fresh fruit or a mixed green salad makes for a refreshing side.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and have breakfast ready for several days throughout the week. Just reheat individual servings as needed.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

A warm, comforting casserole combining sweet-tart blueberries and rich custard-soaked bread, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

6 slices slices of bread Challah or brioche works well for flavor and texture.
2 cups fresh blueberries Frozen blueberries can be used; do not thaw before adding.
4 large eggs Preferably at room temperature for best results.
2 cups milk Whole milk creates a richer custard; alternatives can be used.
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon Consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor.
1 pinch salt
Powdered sugar For serving

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cut the bread into cubes and place half of them in the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle blueberries over the bread cubes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour the mixture over the bread and blueberries, ensuring all are coated well.
Top with the remaining bread cubes, ensuring they are covered with the egg mixture.

Cooking

Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
Let it cool slightly before serving; dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For a more custardy texture, let the casserole sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking, or overnight for better flavor. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.