Name: Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 7 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 10 to 12 cups); 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

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If you love cozy mornings filled with the aroma of baked comfort food, then the Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite tradition. This dish takes classic French toast to a whole new level by layering fluffy bread cubes with juicy fresh blueberries and soaking them in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard. The best part? You assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to a beautiful, golden breakfast that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving a special weekday treat, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering start to your day.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this casserole comes from simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and a touch of sweetness. From the soft cubes of French bread that soak up all the custard goodness, to the burst of freshness from juicy blueberries, these essentials come together beautifully to create a comforting masterpiece.

French bread, 1 loaf (10 to 12 cups, cubed): Using sturdy yet soft bread ensures it soaks custard without turning to mush.
Fresh blueberries, 1 1/2 cups: Adds natural sweetness and bright pops of color throughout the casserole.
Large eggs, 8: The foundation of the rich custard, giving structure and creaminess.
Whole milk, 2 cups: Provides a velvety texture to the custard soak.
Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Adds decadence and helps create the perfect creamy consistency.
Granulated sugar, 2/3 cup: Balances the richness with the right touch of sweetness.
Light brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Introduces subtle caramel notes that deepen the flavor.
Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, aromatic scent.
Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Gives the casserole a comforting spice that’s classic and inviting.
Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Helps to brighten and balance the sweetness in the dish.
Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (melted): Adds richness and a slight buttery undertone.
Powdered sugar (optional for serving): A pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness if desired.

How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread Layers

Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to ensure the casserole won’t stick once baked. Start by spreading half of your cubed French bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries evenly over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries, creating beautiful layers packed with fruity goodness.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Whisk until all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth and aromatic custard. This rich blend is what will soak into every bread cube, giving your casserole that perfect custardy texture and sweet, spiced flavor.

Step 3: Pour and Soak Overnight

Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, making sure to press down gently on the top so all the bread cubes can soak up the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This soak time is the secret to developing deep, luscious flavor and that ideal soft bite texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool just a little before digging in.

How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness and looks picture-perfect. For an extra special touch, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or vanilla glaze to play up the flavors. Fresh extra blueberries or a sprig of mint can also add freshness and vibrant color.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage links to bring a savory contrast. A simple fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt on the side balances richness and adds a fresh element to your breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, consider baking individual servings in ramekins for portion control and a cute presentation. Alternatively, layering the casserole in a clear glass baking dish shows off the beautiful blueberry and bread layers, making the dish as stunning as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow and the texture remains soft, making for an easy, satisfying next-day breakfast.

Freezing

You can freeze baked portions of this casserole by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisped on top. Reheating brings back the fresh-baked feel and delicious aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries can be used without thawing; just sprinkle them over your bread layers as you would fresh. You might want to add an extra minute or two to the baking time since frozen fruit adds moisture.

Is there a gluten-free version of this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the French bread with a gluten-free loaf of your choice. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart.

Can I make this casserole without heavy cream?

If you prefer, you can swap the heavy cream for an equal amount of whole milk, although the texture will be slightly less rich and creamy.

How long can I leave the casserole soaking overnight?

This casserole does best if soaked between 6 to 12 hours. Any longer may result in overly soggy bread. Overnight in the fridge is ideal for perfect texture.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in raspberries, sliced strawberries, or even chopped nuts like pecans for extra crunch and flavor. Just adjust baking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing better than waking up to the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you keep it as a weekend treat or surprise your guests at brunch, this casserole promises smiles, seconds, and plenty of happy mornings. Give it a try — your breakfast routine will thank you.