Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole

If you’re looking for the perfect make-ahead breakfast that’s indulgent yet effortless, this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of soft, custardy French bread infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with bursts of sweet blueberries and a rich, creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese filling.

This casserole is a dream for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or meal prepping for busy weekdays. Since all the prep happens the night before, your morning is stress-free—just pop it in the oven, sip your coffee, and let the magic happen.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

Make-ahead convenience means less work in the morning and more time to enjoy a slow, relaxing breakfast
Perfect for serving a crowd, making it ideal for special occasions, potlucks, or Sunday brunch
A rich and satisfying blend of textures, with a balance of sweet, creamy, and subtly spiced flavors

Taste & Texture

The top has a slightly crisp golden crust, while the inside is soft and custardy. The blueberries add pops of sweetness, and the cream cheese layer makes each bite irresistibly creamy.

Dietary Attributes

Easily adaptable to different diets by swapping dairy-free milk and cream cheese for a plant-based version or using gluten-free bread

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the cream cheese mixture:

• 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split
• 1 cup blueberries

For the bread layers:

• 2 loaves cubed French bread

For the egg mixture:

• 2 cups milk
• 8 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup blueberries

Notes on Quality

For the best flavor, use day-old French bread as it soaks up the custard mixture without getting too mushy. Fresh, ripe blueberries work best, but frozen ones can be used—just don’t thaw them before adding.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap the French bread for brioche or challah for an even richer texture
• Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option
• Replace blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of all three

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries to distribute them evenly.

Step 2: Assemble the Bread Layers

Layer the bottom of a greased 10×14-inch baking dish with half of the cubed French bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread, making sure all of it is soaked. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

The next morning, take the casserole out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Bake the casserole covered for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The total baking time should be about 75 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with extra blueberries for a picture-perfect finish.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Let the bread sit in the custard mixture overnight so it fully absorbs the flavors and bakes up rich and custardy.

Common Mistakes

Don’t skip the refrigeration step—this allows the custard to soak in and prevents a dry or uneven texture.

Time-Saving Tips

If you’re short on time, prep the casserole in the morning and let it sit for at least 2 hours before baking. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete brunch spread.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a handful of fresh berries for an extra pop of color.

Beverage Pairings

Pair this dish with a hot cup of coffee, a chai latte, or a mimosa for a brunch-worthy experience.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

Reheating Methods

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or sourdough all work great for this recipe.

Can I make this without eggs?
Try replacing the eggs with 1/4 cup mashed banana or applesauce per egg, though the texture will be slightly different.

Troubleshooting

Why is my casserole too soggy?
Make sure you’re using day-old bread and that you’re allowing enough time for it to soak before baking.

Why did my casserole turn out dry?
Check your baking time—overbaking can dry it out. If needed, add a little warm milk over the top before serving.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

To make this dairy-free, use almond or oat milk and dairy-free cream cheese. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free bread.

Flavor Twists

Try adding lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor or swap out the blueberries for raspberries for a tangier taste.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For a festive twist, add pumpkin spice in the fall or a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet holiday version.

Conclusion

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a must-try for any breakfast lover. With its make-ahead convenience, rich flavors, and customizable options, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want an easy morning meal, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments.

For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out these recipes:
Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Classic French Toast
French Omelette with Fines Herbes

Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for more inspiration: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

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