Blueberry French Toast Casserole – A Make-Ahead Brunch Favorite
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm cinnamon, golden bread, and juicy blueberries baking together in the oven. Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines everything you love about classic French toast — but with a fun, fuss-free casserole twist.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or make-ahead meal prepping, this baked French toast is rich and custardy on the inside, with a slightly crisp top and bursts of fresh blueberry sweetness throughout. It can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning, making it ideal for entertaining or busy mornings when you still want to serve something homemade and satisfying.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best blueberry French toast casserole from scratch. We’ll cover the best bread to use, make-ahead tips, topping options, and all the ways to customize it to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Easy to make and hands-off once it’s in the oven
- Make-ahead and freezer friendly
- Uses simple ingredients
- A perfect use for day-old or leftover bread
- Loaded with juicy blueberries and warm cinnamon flavor
- Feels indulgent but uses wholesome ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Casserole Base:
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, brioche, or challah (about 10 cups cubed)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Extra blueberries
- Lemon zest or whipped cream
The Best Bread for French Toast Casserole
The ideal bread for this recipe is thick, hearty, and just a little bit stale. This allows it to soak up the custard without getting soggy or falling apart.
Here are some great options:
- Brioche – Rich and buttery
- Challah – Lightly sweet with great structure
- French bread – Chewy and classic
- Sourdough – Adds a slight tang and sturdiness
- Texas toast – If you prefer extra-thick slices
Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can break down too much and make the casserole mushy.
How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Berries
Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top and gently toss to distribute them.
If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw — just toss them in straight from the freezer. They may tint the custard slightly, but the flavor will be just as good.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing gently to help the bread soak it up.
Let the mixture sit for at least 15–20 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight).
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole was refrigerated overnight, let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before baking.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp and the center is set (not jiggly). If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil in the last 10 minutes.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use day-old bread – Slightly dry bread soaks up custard better without getting mushy.
- Don’t skip the resting time – Even 15 minutes helps the custard soak in evenly. Overnight is ideal.
- Use whole milk and cream – For that rich, custardy texture.
- Make it ahead – This casserole is even better when made the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Let it rest after baking – This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the custard and top with a drizzle of lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
Berry Blend
Use a mix of berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for a colorful twist.
Cream Cheese Swirl
Add small dollops of sweetened cream cheese between layers of bread for a rich surprise.
Nutty Topping
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
Cinnamon Swirl
Layer in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more cinnamon roll-like experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best parts about this dish is how easy it is to prep in advance.
To Prepare the Night Before:
- Assemble the casserole (including the custard soak)
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours)
- Add the topping in the morning and bake as directed
To Freeze:
- Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly in plastic and foil
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete brunch centerpiece, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Crispy bacon or sausage links
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with honey
- Coffee or a mimosa for brunch
- Whipped cream or maple syrup for extra sweetness
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use almond or oat milk in place of dairy milk, and swap the cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer. Use a vegan butter alternative for the topping.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free bread (preferably a denser loaf) and check that your crumble ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I add protein?
Sure. Cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham can be layered in with the bread. For a sweet-savory combo, try maple sausage and blueberries.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. You can double the recipe and bake it in two separate 9×13 pans, or use a larger casserole dish if it fits in your oven. Increase bake time as needed.
Can I bake it in muffin tins?
Yes. Use greased jumbo muffin tins for individual portions. Bake at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes, or until set.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown, and the center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a comforting, delicious way. It’s a dish that works as well for a casual weekend breakfast as it does for special occasions or holiday brunches. The juicy blueberries add brightness, the rich custard provides indulgence, and the crispy topping delivers the perfect contrast in texture.
It’s easy to make, flexible to your preferences, and always a crowd favorite. Once you try it, it just might become your new go-to breakfast casserole recipe.