Breakfast

Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a cozy, fruit-forward breakfast that smells like buttered toast and warm cinnamon. Cubes of French bread soak in a creamy egg mixture and hide pockets of tangy cream cheese and bursts of juicy blueberries. The top turns golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and custardy. It’s perfect for weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or a make-ahead breakfast your family will love. For a simpler version and serving ideas, see this easy French toast casserole guide.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (20 minutes active + 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 410 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 450 mg

Why Make This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This casserole combines the best parts of French toast and a fruit-studded bread pudding. It’s creamy, slightly tangy from the cream cheese, and bright from the blueberries. The texture is soft and custardy inside with a lightly golden top. It’s hands-off once assembled, easy to scale, and makes mornings less hectic because you can soak it overnight. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or turning a simple weekend breakfast into a special meal.

How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This recipe is forgiving. Use day-old French bread for better texture; it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart. If you prefer a lighter custard, swap half-and-half or 2% milk for whole milk. For best flavor, let the casserole rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour so the bread fully absorbs the mixture.

Ingredients:

1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so the pieces soak up the liquid.

Step 3: Baking

Sprinkle the blueberries on top of the soaked bread. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake uncovered for about 45–55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and golden brown on top.

Step 4: Finishing

Let the casserole cool slightly for 10–15 minutes before serving so it firms up. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Serve slices warm with maple syrup, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a spoonful of fruit compote add color and acidity. For a brunch spread, pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a green salad. For a lighter touch, serve with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch.

How to Store Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap cooled casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap, or freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot.
Tip: Reheat gently to avoid drying out. Cover with foil for oven reheating and remove for the last 5 minutes if you want to restore some crispness on top.

Expert Tips for Perfect Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Use slightly stale bread: Day-old French bread soaks up the custard better and keeps texture intact.
Cut bread into even cubes: This ensures consistent soaking and baking.
Soak at least 1 hour: Give the custard time to penetrate the bread. Overnight yields the best texture.
Keep cream cheese slightly firm: Cold pockets of cream cheese will create creamy bites; beat it until smooth but not melted.
If using frozen blueberries: Keep them frozen until adding on top to prevent purple streaks in the custard.
Add a streusel: For a crunchy topping, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle before baking.
Check doneness: Insert a knife in the center—if it comes out mostly clean, the casserole is set.

Delicious Variations

Lemon-Blueberry: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the custard for a bright citrus note.
Mixed Berry: Substitute 1 cup blueberries with 1 cup raspberries or sliced strawberries.
Nutty Crunch: Stir toasted pecans or sliced almonds into the topping.
Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips over the casserole before baking for a sweeter treat.
Savory Twist: Omit sugar and blueberries, add shredded cheese and herbs for a savory strata-style bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other bread instead of French bread?
A: Yes. Brioche, challah, or sourdough work well. Rich breads like brioche give a more custardy result. Avoid very dense bread that won’t absorb the custard.

Q: Do I have to refrigerate it before baking?
A: Refrigeration improves texture by allowing the bread to soak up the custard. You can bake right away, but expect a less uniform custard. For best results, chill at least 1 hour.

Q: Can I prepare this the night before?
A: Absolutely. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge while the oven preheats if you want to take the chill off before baking.

Q: How do I prevent the custard from being soggy?
A: Use slightly stale bread and bake until the center is set. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes after baking so it firms up. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes. Use frozen berries straight from the freezer and sprinkle them on top—do not thaw to avoid extra juice that can make the casserole soggy.

Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese. Texture will vary slightly but flavors remain lovely.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can, but bake in two pans or a larger pan and adjust bake time as needed. Two 9×13 pans keep timing consistent.

Conclusion

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is an easy, comforting dish full of warm cinnamon, creamy pockets of cheese, and juicy blueberry bursts — perfect for busy mornings or special gatherings. It’s simple to scale, forgiving to make, and delicious served plain or dressed up with syrup and fresh fruit. For another take and inspiration, check out Cake ‘n Knife’s version of this casserole. Give it a try — the smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a weekend.