Blueberry French Toast Casserole Bliss: A Sweet Breakfast Casserole for Any Crowd

If you’ve ever stared at your fridge on a lazy weekend morning, wondering how to level up your brunch game, meet your new best friend: this breakfast casserole. I whipped it up for a recent brunch potluck, and folks are still texting me about it. Ever craved a cross between classic French toast and a warm blueberry pie? Well, this recipe scratches that itch—and then some.

IMO, nothing beats the convenience of a Healthy Breakfast Casserole that doubles as a showstopper for Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd. You can prep it the night before—no judgment if you’re running late for work or hosting a last-minute family gathering. It even ranks high among my go-to Easy Breakfast Ideas. Ever heard of a recipe that practically bakes itself overnight? You’re about to.

I first tested this on my college roommate crew, and let’s just say they demanded the recipe faster than you can say “blueberry bliss.” This dish nails that perfect balance of custardy richness and sweet-tart berries, plus a hint of cinnamon that reminds me of grandma’s kitchen. Sound too good to be true? Stick around—I promise I’ll walk you through every step, from picking the bread to serving it like a pro. FYI, you’ll want seconds (and maybe thirds) 🙂

Ingredients

• 8 cups day-old brioche or challah, cubed
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for a lighter twist)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Zest of one lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing

Feel free to swap brioche for leftover croissants or bagels if you’re channeling some serious Breakfast Basket vibes. This recipe sits nicely alongside Breakfast Casserole Recipes like Easy Tater Tot Casserole or a quick Tortilla Quiche Bake if you’re building a brunch spread.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, zest, and salt until fully combined.
3. Add the cubed bread to the bowl. Gently fold to coat every piece in the custardy mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the bread soaks up the liquid.
4. Fold in the blueberries, reserving a handful for sprinkling on top.
5. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved berries evenly over the surface.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and the center no longer jiggles.
7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. The cooling time helps it set perfectly.
8. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.

These steps transform simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing Brunch Casserole. You’ll notice the smell of cinnamon and vanilla hugging your kitchen—that’s when you know you’ve nailed it. If you ever tried an Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns, you’ll appreciate how quick and fuss-free this version feels.

Variations

1. Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle ¼ cup melted dark chocolate over the top before baking for a dessert-style twist.
2. Lemon-Blueberry: Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the custard and swap granulated sugar for honey to boost brightness.
3. Apple-Cinnamon: Replace blueberries with 2 diced apples and ½ tsp nutmeg. Perfect if you love Egg Frittata vibes with fruit.

Don’t hesitate to riff on this base. I once turned it into a savory spin by omitting sugar, stirring in chopped bacon, cheddar, and scallions—think Omlet Breakfast Ideas meets French toast. The sky’s the limit!

Serving & Tips

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a Healthy Breakfast Casserole upgrade.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—great for Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead plans.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a 325°F oven until just warm.
• Toss fresh berries on top to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Planning a big family gathering? Double the recipe in two pans or use it as part of a larger Brunch Potluck spread alongside Egg Casserole Recipes and Mini Quiche Recipes.

Pro tip: If you spot any juicy blueberries bleeding into the custard, that’s your cue that you nailed the bake—embrace the rustic look!

Final Thoughts

I still remember my first try: I burned the edges slightly and ended up with a crunchy “crust” that everyone raved about. Lesson learned: keep an eye on bake time and rotate the pan halfway through. This breakfast casserole ranks high on my list of weekend favorites, and I hope it steals a place in your heart (and kitchen) too. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving solo comfort, this Blueberry French Toast Casserole delivers cozy, flavorful satisfaction with minimal effort.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! For a true Breakfast Casserole Overnight experience, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You’ll wake up to a house smelling like a bakery—no extra work needed.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any extra slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds. If you love Easy Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns, you’ll appreciate how simple this reheats.

Can I swap blueberries for other fruits?

Absolutely. Strawberries, raspberries, or diced apples work beautifully. For a tropical twist, toss in pineapple chunks and shredded coconut. Just remember to adjust sugar levels if your fruit of choice is particularly sweet or tart.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Once fully baked and cooled, wrap the casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes or until warmed through. It competes well with any Breakfast Ideas Casserole you’ve tried!

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