If you love a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine tender cubes of French bread soaked overnight in a rich, creamy custard infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with bursts of fresh blueberries, and baked to golden perfection. The beauty of this casserole is not only in its mouthwatering flavor but also in its effortless preparation, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients is key to getting that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and lovely colors in your casserole. Each component plays a specific role in making this dish irresistibly cozy and delicious.
- French bread cubes (1 loaf, 10-12 cups): Provides the fluffy base that absorbs all the custardy goodness wonderfully.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 1/2 cups): Adds juicy bursts of natural sweetness and gorgeous color throughout the bake.
- Large eggs (8): The backbone of the custard, binding everything together and giving richness.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Keeps the custard smooth and creamy without overpowering flavors.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds extra lusciousness for a velvety texture in every bite.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens delicately to let the blueberries shine.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings warm caramel notes that deepen the flavor profile.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A fragrant touch that elevates the entire casserole.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with berries and custard.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle hint that rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Enriches the custard and adds a slight buttery depth.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving): A pretty finishing touch that adds a hint of sweetness and charm.
How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the bread and berries
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving later. Layer half of the cubed French bread evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the fresh or frozen blueberries on top. Follow with the remaining bread cubes and finish by spreading the rest of the blueberries in an even layer.
Step 2: Whisk the custard
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and melted butter. Aim for a smooth, homogeneous custard that carries all those cozy morning flavors to each piece of bread.
Step 3: Soak the casserole overnight
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, gently pressing down to make sure every cube soaks up the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, ideal for soaking overnight. This slow soak is the secret to tender, custardy, incredible French toast.
Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the custard is set in the middle and the top is a perfect golden brown. Let it cool slightly before digging in, and dust with powdered sugar if you like for that extra special touch.
How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing warms up this casserole more than a scattering of fresh blueberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a little indulgence, drizzle some pure maple syrup or a spoonful of whipped cream right before serving. These simple additions uplift the dish visually and flavor-wise, making breakfast feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or savory sausage for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and salty. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad can brighten the plate and add a refreshing contrast. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of rich coffee completes the ideal brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, fancy feel. Layer the casserole in a clear baking dish for an attractive visual of bread and blueberries throughout. You can also turn leftovers into French toast sticks by slicing and pan-frying for a fun finger-food option the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. You can keep it fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some casseroles for later, freeze portions in airtight containers or tightly wrapped foil packets. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual slices if you’re in a hurry. Adding a little extra syrup or butter during reheating can restore that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this casserole. Keep them frozen when layering to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy.
Do I have to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Absolutely. The overnight soak allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a tender, creamy French toast that bakes evenly and deliciously.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the French bread for a gluten-free bread option with a sturdy, slightly dense texture to hold up well during soaking and baking.
What toppings do you recommend?
Besides powdered sugar and maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a crunchy streusel topping made from flour, butter, and sugar add great texture and flavor contrast.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to press the bread cubes gently into the custard to fully soak them and don’t overbake. Covering loosely with foil for part of the baking time can also help retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe enough for anyone craving a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast. It’s a recipe that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare ahead, which means less stress and more time enjoying the morning with people you love. Try it out, add your favorite toppings, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast that combines fluffy French bread cubes soaked in a rich custard with fresh blueberries. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors, making it an ideal dish for brunch or a special breakfast gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 to 12 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional for Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
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: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes and top with the rest of the blueberries, creating layers for even distribution.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Press down gently to ensure all bread pieces absorb the custard.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Bring to Room Temperature: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to even out cooking.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and optionally drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, drizzle maple syrup over the casserole before serving.
- Add a simple streusel topping made with flour, brown sugar, and butter before baking for added texture and flavor.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
