Description
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat featuring layers of cubed white bread, cream cheese, and fresh blueberries soaked in a rich egg and milk custard, baked to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious homemade blueberry sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy brunch or special occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 12 slices day-old white bread, crusts removed
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard
- 12 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
Sauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread half of them in a single layer in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cut the cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and scatter over the bread. Sprinkle blueberries over the cream cheese, then top with the remaining bread cubes. (Tip: Cold cream cheese slices easier; you can also beat it with sweetener for a smoother custard.)
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and maple syrup or honey until well combined.
- Pour and rest: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread mixture. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak.
- Bake the French toast: Remove the casserole from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the sauce base: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cold water, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for 3 minutes until thickened.
- Finish the blueberry sauce: Stir in the blueberries and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the berries burst. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Serve warm alongside the French toast casserole.
Notes
- Using day-old bread prevents the casserole from becoming too soggy.
- Allowing the casserole to rest overnight helps the bread absorb the custard for a rich texture.
- Cold cream cheese slices more easily; dip knife in hot water between cuts for clean slices.
- Let the casserole warm up slightly before baking to avoid dish breakage.
- Maple syrup or honey can be used interchangeably to sweeten the custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
