Introduction
French toast has always been one of my favorite breakfast treats, but when I discovered the magic of Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, it completely changed the game. This recipe brings the warm, comforting flavors of French toast, paired with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling and sweet blueberries—every bite is a little slice of heaven.
I first made this casserole for a brunch gathering, and it was an instant hit. The layers of fluffy, custard-soaked bread, gooey cream cheese, and burst-in-your-mouth blueberries created a symphony of flavors. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of indulgence.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make yet still looks impressive enough to serve at a special occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday breakfast, a Sunday brunch, or just treating yourself and your family to something extra special, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a winner every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile
This casserole is incredibly versatile. You can swap the blueberries for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to give it an extra flavor kick.
Budget-Friendly
With just a handful of ingredients—bread, cream cheese, eggs, and fruit—this recipe is affordable while still feeling like a treat. It’s a great way to turn simple ingredients into a breakfast everyone will rave about.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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8 slices of day-old bread (preferably challah, brioche, or French bread)
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1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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6 large eggs
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1 ½ cups whole milk
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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ÂĽ teaspoon salt
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Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
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Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
How to Make This Recipe
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is as easy to make as it is delicious. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to serve up a breakfast or brunch that will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to bring this casserole to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by slicing the bread into thick pieces. If you’re using fresh bread, you can leave it out for a couple of hours or overnight to dry out slightly. This will help the bread soak up the custard without getting too soggy. If you’re using day-old bread, you can skip this step. Arrange the bread slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step. Once the cream cheese is creamy and well-combined with the sugar, add in the vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Then, gently spread this mixture between the slices of bread, ensuring each slice gets a generous portion of the cream cheese filling.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture will create the custard that will soak into the bread. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese layers, making sure every slice is soaked. If you feel the bread isn’t absorbing the custard quickly enough, press it down gently with a spoon to help the liquid soak in.
4. Add the Blueberries
Once the bread is evenly soaked, scatter the blueberries on top. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them—just sprinkle them straight onto the casserole. If you’re using fresh blueberries, feel free to gently fold them into the bread layers for a more uniform distribution.
5. Chill and Rest
For the best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or up to overnight). This resting time allows the custard to fully soak into the bread, making it even more flavorful and tender. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but letting it rest gives the casserole a better texture.
6. Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the casserole has had time to chill, remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake the casserole uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown on top, and the center should be set but slightly jiggly when you gently shake the dish. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake it a bit longer until the center is fully set.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. To serve, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, but the syrup and powdered sugar take it to the next level.
Quick and Easy
This casserole is not only simple to make but also incredibly quick to prepare, especially if you let it chill overnight. The hands-on time is minimal, so you can easily prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning. This makes it perfect for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast when you want to spend more time with your loved ones than in the kitchen.
Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. If you prefer a different fruit, you can substitute the blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
For a more decadent dish, you can add a crumble topping made of butter, brown sugar, and oats before baking. This will give your casserole a crisp, sweet crust. Or, to make it lighter, use a reduced-fat cream cheese and milk, though keep in mind the richness may be affected.
Perfect for Guests
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is an ideal dish for serving guests. It looks stunning on the table and is perfect for a crowd. Because you can prepare it ahead of time, you won’t have to rush around in the morning. Just bake it, serve, and enjoy the compliments!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for preparing the night before. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to serve with minimal effort.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal for this recipe due to their texture, you can also use whole wheat bread, sourdough, or any bread of your choice. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard.
Can I freeze Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole after assembling it (before baking). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in this casserole. There’s no need to thaw them—just sprinkle them directly on top. They may release a little more juice, but that adds to the flavor and moisture.