Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a sweet, comforting breakfast bake that’s perfect for weekends, holidays, and special gatherings. Made with cubes of bread soaked overnight in a custard mixture of eggs, milk, and cream, then baked with juicy blueberries and topped with a golden, buttery streusel, this casserole is as indulgent as it is convenient.
The best part? You can prep everything the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning. It’s a stress-free way to serve a warm, impressive breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Preparation
Step 1: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half the bread cubes, then sprinkle with half the blueberries.
- Layer the remaining bread cubes and top with the rest of the blueberries.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing lightly so the bread soaks up the custard.
Step 3: Chill Overnight
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Refrigerate topping until ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove casserole from fridge and sprinkle streusel evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
Step 6: Serve
- Let cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Variations
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add cubes of cream cheese between bread layers for extra richness.
- Lemon Blueberry Twist: Stir lemon zest into the custard for brightness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the streusel topping.
- Berry Mix: Replace half the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries.
Cooking Notes
- Brioche or challah bread works best for a soft, rich texture.
- If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them first to prevent excess liquid.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm maple syrup or a blueberry compote.
- Pair with bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs for a full breakfast spread.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Tips
- Prep everything the night before for a no-stress breakfast.
- Let casserole rest a few minutes before serving so it slices neatly.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze portions up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven for best results.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 6+ hours (overnight recommended)
- Baking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 7+ hours (including chill)
Nutritional Information (per serving, 10 servings)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make overnight blueberry French toast casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven before serving.
Q3: Can I use another bread?
- Yes, Texas toast, challah, or sourdough also work well.
Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes, use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
Q5: Can I skip the streusel?
- Yes, but the topping adds great texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a sweet, fruity, and comforting dish that’s perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or special occasions. With its make-ahead convenience, rich custard base, juicy blueberries, and buttery streusel topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy, versatile, and freezer-friendly, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.