Imagine this: soft, pillowy bread cubes soaked in a rich, creamy custard, dotted with juicy bursts of blueberries, and pockets of velvety cream cheese baked to perfection.
The top is golden and crisp, while the inside stays deliciously soft and decadent. Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast bake—perfect for lazy Sundays, holiday mornings, or feeding a hungry brunch crowd.
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, and you can prep it the night before.
No stressful early-morning cooking. Just pop it in the oven, let it bake to golden perfection, and serve with your favorite toppings. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone out of bed with a smile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Versatile: Works with fresh or frozen fruit, and you can use almost any type of bread you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or when you’re hosting family and friends.
- Mouthwatering Flavors: Sweet blueberries, creamy custard, and soft cream cheese combine for a truly decadent bite.
What’s the Best Bread to Use?
Choosing the right bread is key to the perfect texture. Here are your best options:
- Brioche: Rich, buttery, and slightly sweet, brioche is hands-down the winner for French toast casseroles.
- Challah: Another soft, eggy bread that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- French Baguette: If you prefer a chewier texture and want a little crunch on top, a day-old French baguette is a great choice.
- Sandwich Bread: Got regular sandwich bread sitting around? Perfect! It’s an easy, no-fuss option, especially if it’s a little stale (stale bread absorbs the custard even better).
Pro Tip: If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly in the oven first. Drying it out helps it soak up the custard without getting soggy.
Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries
- Fresh Blueberries: If they’re in season, fresh blueberries are always a treat. They hold their shape better and give bright, juicy bursts in every bite.
- Frozen Blueberries: Don’t worry if fresh blueberries aren’t available. Frozen ones work beautifully too—no need to thaw them. Just toss them into the casserole frozen, and they’ll bake up perfectly.
Bonus Tip: If using frozen berries, toss them lightly in flour before adding them. This prevents them from turning the custard blue.
Tips for the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Let It Soak: For the most decadent texture, let the casserole sit in the fridge overnight so the bread absorbs all that creamy goodness.
- Add Toppings After Baking: Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving for the ultimate indulgence.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the custard is set and the top is golden. Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
- Cream Cheese Placement: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and spread it evenly so every bite has a little pocket of creamy richness.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 1 minute, or cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- Freezing:
- Baked: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven.
- Unbaked: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is amazing on its own, but here are some ways to elevate it:
- Pour warm vanilla sauce over it (my favorite)
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup or honey.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a little sweetness.
- Serve with crispy bacon or sausage on the side for a savory contrast.
- Top with whipped cream and extra fresh berries for a show-stopping finish.
Ready to Bake?
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s simple, indulgent, and so easy to make. Prep it the night before, bake it fresh in the morning, and enjoy the heavenly aroma of blueberries and cream cheese filling your kitchen.
Trust me—this is the kind of breakfast that makes mornings worth waking up for!
Let’s get baking!