Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish for any holiday, family and friend gathering, or low-key lazy weekend brunch. Crusty bread plus blueberries get soaked in an egg custard, and then topped with a delicious buttery crumble. Leftovers are delish as well!
Best Blueberry French Toast
Springtime is definitely the season of brunches. There is Easter and Mother’s Day, and then ALL of the wedding shower hoopla and summer stay-cations. So many fun family and friend occasions, and so many mouths to feed. THIS French toast casserole is definitely the answer to your prayers. It tastes great, feeds a crowd, you can make it ahead of time, and leftovers are fabulous too.
But this breakfast casserole is great all year long too. I’ve recently had several friends tell me they make it for winter holidays too – which makes me so happy! If you can’t find plump blueberries, just use frozen.
For a smaller batch French toast, try our Overnight French Toast Casserole or Cinnamon Brioche French Toast.
Why This Recipe Works:
- SIMPLE RECIPE – Our blueberry French toast casserole is simple to make and uses up leftover bread (if you have it). You can find the simple ingredients in most grocery stores.
- DELICIOUS FLAVOR – The blueberries add amazing flavor to the baked French toast. A perfect addition to the egg custard and crumbly topping!
- FEEDS A CROWD – We love a large breakfast casserole like this one for a special occasion brunch or large gathering. Make it ahead of time (like the day before) and enjoy.
- PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS – Serve this delicious French toast for any holiday – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Easter, or any summer gathering!
Ingredients needed for Blueberry French Toast Casserole:
- Crusty Bread. You will need approximately 12-14 cups of crusty bread, either French, sourdough, or anything else that will hold up well to an egg custard.
- Blueberries. I used two cups of fresh blueberries, but frozen works too.
- Dairy Products. Eggs, milk, half & half, and butter.
- Pantry Items. Vanilla, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Optional Toppings. Powdered sugar, maple or blueberry syrup, and/or butter!
How to make the Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole:
Step 1
Prep. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with baking spray.
Step 2
Prep bottom layer. Cube the bread and spread evenly in prepared dish. Then sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the bread.
Step 3
Prepare egg custard. Combine eggs, half and half, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour custard over the bread and blueberries.
Step 4
Prepare the crumble. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use your hands (or a pastry cutter) to combine. Spread on top of the casserole.
Step 5
Bake. Bake casserole uncovered for approximately 40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Step 6
Serve. Serve blueberry French toast with a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar!
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Heat leftovers in microwave.
To prepare this casserole ahead of time:
- After the egg custard is poured over the bread and blueberries, cover tightly with cling wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight (or for a couple of hours).
- The following day (or when ready to eat), prepare the crumbly topping and sprinkle over top the casserole. Bake as directed.
- Likewise, you could prepare the topping ahead of time and store in the refrigerator as well.
What to serve with Blueberry French Toast:
- Coffee – Start with some Toddy Cold Brew Coffee or Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
- Eggs – We love our Omelette Casserole for a large group or Goat Cheese Quiche for a smaller one.
- Scones – How about adding some scones to the breakfast spread? Try our favorite Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe or Orange Scones.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes, blueberries get a superstar status in terms of health. They are low in calories and high in antioxidants. They help to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Blueberries also accelerate muscle recovery after strenuous exercise.
Yes, stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively without becoming soggy.
It’s best to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the bread soak up the custard mixture. That being said, I’ve made it and baked it immediately and it’s still delicious!
If the top is browning too quickly, then add aluminum foil to the casserole for part of the baking.
Yes, popular toppings include powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a blueberry sauce.
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 22 oz. cubed, crusty French bread – or about 12-14 cups
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup 1% milk
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – cubed
To serve:
- butter, syrup, powdered sugar – to serve
Instructions
- ** See below for directions to make this casserole ahead of time>
- Prep. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with baking spray.
- Prep bottom layer. Cube the bread and spread evenly in prepared dish. Then sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the bread.
- Prepare egg custard. Combine eggs, half and half, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour custard over the bread and blueberries.
- Prepare the crumble. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use your hands (or a pastry cutter) to combine. Spread on top of the casserole.
- Bake. Bake casserole uncovered for approximately 40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve. Serve blueberry French toast with a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar!
Notes
- After the egg custard is poured over the bread and blueberries, cover tightly with Saran Wrap, and store in the refrigerator overnight, or for just a couple of hours.
- The following day (or when ready to eat), prepare the topping and sprinkle over top the casserole, and bake.
- Likewise, you could prepare the topping ahead of time, and store in the refrigerator as well.
Made this Blueberry French Toast this weekend for a baby shower ~ So good! Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe!
Hi Ann! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed this french toast casserole! Thank you so much for trusting my recipes. 🙂
I prepped this casserole last night and enjoyed it with my parents this morning. My mom said it was “plate-lickin” good! So simple to make but it looked like I had spent all day prepping!
Thanks so much Jen!
Another 5 star recipe!! I made this for a work gathering and everyone loved it!! So easy and quick. It will go in my favorites file ?
I’m so glad they all liked the French toast, Vicki! Thanks for sharing your feedback! 🙂
Yummm! This looks delicious Sue! Do you think I can use ghee instead of butter?
Yes, I don’t see why you couldn’t use ghee. Enjoy!
I made this to feed a small crowd of about 20 for Easter and it was SO delicious! (And well received) My family and I always love your recipes—in fact I had several begging me for this one when brunch was over. Can’t wait to bake some more of your awesome treats!
Thank you for your sweet comments, Hailey! I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! 🙂
Oh this sounds so good! I love blueberry anything, so this is right up my alley. Will make a lovely breakfast soon!
Yes, I hope you check back with me after you make it! Thanks Alexandra!
This recipe is a total yum. It reminds me of a french toast casserole that my mom makes for Christmas. (Except your’s is tastier!)
We love it, and it will be great for Easter brunch!
What a delicious recipe! Perfect for any occasion! 🙂
Thank you so much Julia!
I just love French Toast Casseroles! They are so great for when you have to feed a crowd! I am loving this blueberry version, it looks delicious!
Thanks so much, Annie! I hope you try it. 🙂
I’m guilty and could eat the entire container of this in one sitting that’s how good it looks! Can’t wait to try this out.
This French toast is definitely addicting. Let me know how it turns out for you!
This recipe is awesome and it perfect for those important family meals. A recipe that the entire family can enjoy!
Coming back for Easter brunch!