Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole: The EASIEST Breakfast!

Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole, a symphony of sweet blueberries, buttery bread, and warm spices, is more than just a breakfast; it's a hug on a plate. Picture a lazy Sunday morning, the aroma of cinnamon filling the air, and the happy faces gathered around a bubbling casserole dish. That's the magic this Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole brings. It reminds me of my childhood, when my grandma would bake a similar dish, filling our home with love and laughter. Sharing this recipe with you feels like passing on that cherished memory. This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole recipe lets you bring a slice of comfort and joy into your own home.

Why You Will Love This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

This recipe is more than just delicious; it's incredibly convenient. The beauty of a casserole like this is that you can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. It's a fantastic make ahead breakfast, perfect for busy weekdays or holiday gatherings.

The combination of sweet blueberries, rich custard, and golden-brown bread crust is simply irresistible. Plus, the customizable nature of the recipe lets you tailor it to your own unique taste preferences. Add nuts, different spices, or even chocolate chips to create a truly personalized breakfast masterpiece.

This dish also brings me back to my childhood. The smell alone evokes memories of holidays spent with family, all gathered around the breakfast table. Simple pleasures such as this Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole help me share the magic of food with friends, family, and visitors.

Ingredients Needed for This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

• For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non dairy)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries, divided

• For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

How to Make This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

1. Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly dried. Alternatively, allow the bread to sit out overnight to dry.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place half of the dried bread cubes in the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
4. Pour the custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is soaked.
5. Make the streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Add Streusel and Blueberries: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Distribute the remaining 1 cup of blueberries on top of the streusel.
7. Chill if desired: For Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

This casserole is delicious on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate it to the next level. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with a dollop of whipped cream. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage complements the sweetness perfectly.

Consider serving it with a light fruit salad or a glass of fresh orange juice for a complete and balanced breakfast. For a special occasion, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the casserole is still warm.

How to Store This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the casserole to an airtight container.

To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes.

Tips to Make This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

• For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread instead of French bread.
• If you don't have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen ones. Do not thaw them before using.
• For a nuttier flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
• Feel free to customize the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a warm and inviting twist. Also, feel free to consider this recipe when baking French Onion Soup Rice or thinking about the Best Ingredients For Fish Food.
• Using day-old bread ensures it soaks up the custard properly without becoming soggy.

Helpful Notes for This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

• The type of bread you use significantly impacts the final result. Challah and brioche are richer and more tender, while French bread provides a slightly chewier texture.
• High-quality vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor that elevates this dish.
• Be sure to grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
• For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and coconut cream in place of milk and heavy cream.
• Use a good quality butter for the streusel topping. I prefer unsalted so I can control the level of salt I add.

Variation of This Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Apple Cinnamon: Replace the blueberries with diced apples and add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to the custard.
• Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the bread mixture before adding the custard.
• Cranberry Orange: Use dried cranberries instead of blueberries and add the zest of one orange to the custard.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese: Swirl dollops of cream cheese into the custard before baking, and top with sliced strawberries after baking.
• For a savory version, consider a quiche or strata recipe. Be sure to consider what kind of What Type Of Cucumber Is Best For Kimchi to add to your next Korean cuisine inspired dish.

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