Description
This Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy make-ahead breakfast dish that combines the comforting flavors of custardy French toast with bursts of fresh blueberries. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, this baked casserole is soaked overnight to develop rich flavors and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, brioche, or challah
- 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1/3 cup (69g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings
- Extra blueberries
- Maple syrup
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Slice the bread and cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared pan and top with blueberries. Set aside.
- Mix and Pour Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours; overnight soaking is optimal for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat Oven: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon until well combined. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Apply Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the prepared topping over the soaked bread mixture. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. For a softer texture, bake closer to 45 minutes.
- Serve and Store: Serve the casserole warm, optionally topped with extra blueberries, maple syrup, or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Store leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture and to absorb more custard.
- Whole milk can be substituted with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Overnight soaking enhances flavor and custard consistency.
- Optional toppings like maple syrup and powdered sugar add sweetness when serving.
- To freeze, bake fully, cool, then wrap and freeze. Reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American