Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a decadent yet simple dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Bursting with juicy blueberries, rich custard, and soft bread baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for special occasions or weekend family gatherings. With make-ahead options and customizable ingredients, this recipe is both practical and delicious.

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What Makes This Blueberry French Toast Casserole So Special?

1. Flavorful Layers: The sweetness of the blueberries complements the creamy custard and buttery bread, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
2. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dish the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a no-fuss breakfast.
3. Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Custard

1. Cut the Bread: Cube the brioche or challah and spread half of the bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add Blueberries and Cream Cheese: Scatter half the blueberries and cream cheese cubes over the bread. Top with the remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. Whisk the Custard Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour the Custard: Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, ensuring all pieces are soaked.

Step 3: Let It Rest

1. Press Down the Bread: Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.
2. Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
2. Add Nuts: If desired, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the casserole.
3. Bake: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish: Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or top with additional blueberries for a stunning presentation.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead Option

• Refrigeration: Assemble the casserole up to the streusel topping step and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed.

Freezing Option

• Freezing Before Baking: Assemble the casserole (without the streusel) and freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the streusel, and bake as directed.
• Freezing After Baking: Store individual portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Customization Ideas

1. Add Fruits: Substitute or combine blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or diced apples for variety.
2. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for a warm, spiced flavor.
3. Enhance the Streusel: Mix in shredded coconut, oats, or chocolate chips for added texture.
4. Make It Savory: Swap blueberries and cream cheese with cooked sausage, spinach, and shredded cheese for a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Brunch Spread: Pair with crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and coffee for a complete meal.
• Dessert Option: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Holiday Treat: Garnish with festive touches like red berries and green mint leaves for a Christmas breakfast centerpiece.

Tips for Success

1. Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a creamier texture. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before assembling.
2. Distribute Evenly: Ensure the blueberries and cream cheese are evenly scattered for balanced bites.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to soak ensures the bread fully absorbs the custard for a moist, flavorful result.
4. Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Blueberries?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Do not thaw them before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

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What Bread Works Best?

Soft, rich breads like brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal. Avoid overly crusty or dense bread as they may not absorb the custard well.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf and use gluten-free flour in the streusel topping.

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How Do I Reheat Leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for about 1 minute.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. It’s simple enough for a casual family breakfast yet impressive enough to serve at a holiday brunch. With its vibrant blueberries, creamy custard, and crunchy streusel topping, it’s a guaranteed hit that brings people together around the table.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Chill Time
2 hours

Total Time
3 hours

Ingredients

• For the Casserole
• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• For the Streusel Topping
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Optional Garnishes
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Extra fresh blueberries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread, ensuring even distribution.

2. Make the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing the bread gently to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

4. Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
4. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with extra blueberries if desired.

Notes

Best Bread: Use day-old brioche or challah for optimal texture. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole and streusel the night before, then bake fresh in the morning.

Customizable Add-Ins: Add cream cheese cubes, raspberries, or a dash of lemon zest for added flavor.

Freezing Option: Freeze baked casserole leftovers in portions. Reheat in the oven for a quick breakfast treat.

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