Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and comforting flavors. It’s perfect for a brunch gathering or a special weekend breakfast planned ahead. With layers of rich cream cheese, fresh blueberries, and custardy bread, it’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup blueberries (for cream cheese mixture)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (divided)
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 2 loaves French bread, cubed (day-old works best)
• 1 cup blueberries (for topping)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup blueberries.
2. Step 2: Layer the bottom of a 10×14-inch baking dish with half of the bread cubes. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread, making sure it’s soaked well. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Step 4: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Step 5: Bake covered with foil for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 30 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, fruity breakfast treat!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread for better soaking and structure; fresh bread may become too soggy.
• Try swapping blueberries for raspberries or strawberries depending on the season.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Do not freeze, as the texture may become watery upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the morning of serving?

While it’s best to prepare and refrigerate the casserole overnight for full flavor and soaking, you can refrigerate it for at least 4 hours if short on time. The texture may be slightly less custardy.

Can I use different bread types?

Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or any sturdy white bread. Avoid very soft or thin-sliced bread as it may not hold up well after soaking.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 123 reviews

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a decadent, creamy breakfast dish that combines luscious cream cheese, juicy blueberries, and custardy soaked French bread. Prepared the night before, it lets the flavors meld and the bread soak up the rich egg and milk mixture, resulting in a warm, tender, and flavorful casserole. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
• Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup blueberries
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (preferably Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (divided: half for cream cheese mixture, half for egg mixture)
• 2 tbsp whole milk

Bread Layers

• 2 loaves cubed French bread (day-old preferred for soaking)

Egg Mixture

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

1. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries to evenly distribute them within the creamy base.
2. Assemble Bread Layers: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, spread an even layer of cubed French bread at the bottom. Carefully spread the cream cheese and blueberry mixture over this bread layer. Then, top with the remaining French bread cubes to create a layered structure.
3. Mix Egg Mixture & Soak: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 8 eggs, the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese in the baking dish, making sure the bread is fully soaked. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb the custard.
4. Preheat Oven: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you wait.
5. Bake Covered: Place the foil-covered baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This initial baking sets the custard and warms the dish through.
6. Bake Uncovered: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the center is set and the top turns a lovely golden brown. The total baking time should be about 75 minutes.
7. Cool & Serve: Once finished baking, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, blueberry-infused French toast casserole warm.

Notes

• Using day-old French bread helps ensure the bread soaks up the custard nicely without becoming too soggy.
• Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with any milk depending on dietary needs.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or maple syrup when serving.
• Covering and refrigerating overnight enhances the custardy texture and flavor infusion.

Keywords: blueberry, French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, cream cheese, overnight soak, baked French toast, brunch recipe, blueberry breakfast