Nothing beats waking up to a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug on a plate, and this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe does exactly that! Bursting with juicy blueberries, pockets of creamy tangy cheese, and the rich custard-soaked brioche and croissants, it’s the ultimate way to elevate your breakfast game. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this casserole is easy to prepare ahead and bakes up golden and irresistible every time. Trust me, once you try this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for weekend brunches and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe keeps things simple but packs a vibrant punch with quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role: the bread and croissants supply that buttery, fluffy base, the custard mix is rich and decadent, and the blueberries and cream cheese cubes add delightful bursts of flavor and texture.
- Brioche Bread: Use day-old bread for better absorption of custard, ensuring a custardy yet soft texture throughout.
- Croissants: Day-old croissants help maintain structure while soaking up flavor, giving you flakey, tender bites.
- Large Eggs: Acts as a binder, providing structure and richness to the custard.
- Whole Milk: Vital for a creamy custard base—skip skim or half-and-half for best results.
- Heavy Cream: Increases richness and creates that luscious custard-like texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds sweetness and aromatic warmth, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the custard and deepens the flavor with caramel notes.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle natural sweetness and a pleasant maple undertone.
- Ground Cinnamon: Provides comforting warmth and spice that complements the blueberries perfectly.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and fresh flavor that lifts the entire casserole.
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: The star fruit component, juicy and sweet with a slight tang.
- Cream Cheese: Cubed to add creamy tangy pockets that contrast the sweet custard.
- Fresh Blueberries (for topping): Adds natural color and a fresh burst with every bite.
- Maple Syrup (for drizzling): A final touch of sweetness that ties everything together.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Dust on top for a pretty, delicate finish that’s irresistible.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick to the dish, making serving and cleanup a breeze. A little butter or non-stick spray will do the trick!
Step 2: Cube the Bread and Croissants
Cut your brioche loaf and croissants into 1-inch cubes. This size lets the bread soak up the custard evenly without turning mushy, giving you that perfect French toast texture after baking.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended. This custard base is what makes this casserole ultra-rich and luscious!
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Begin by spreading half of the cubed brioche and croissants evenly in your prepared baking dish. Scatter half of the blueberries and half of the cubed cream cheese over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese to build layers that ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Pour the Custard and Refrigerate
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, blueberries, and cream cheese, making sure every piece is soaked. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight for best results. If you’re short on time, letting it sit for a minimum of 2-3 hours will still give great flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Remove the casserole from the fridge about 45 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake covered with foil for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still moist. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with fresh blueberries, a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a breathtaking presentation and a burst of sweetness right before serving.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, scatter fresh blueberries atop the warm casserole to enhance its vibrant, inviting look and add juicy pops of flavor. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds sweetness and a delicate snowy effect, while a generous drizzle of maple syrup ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links to add a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream can complement the sweetness and offer a refreshing balance that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant twist or make it a brunch buffet centerpiece surrounded by small bowls of toppings like chopped nuts, additional cream cheese, or flavored syrups. This encourages guests to customize their plates and adds an element of fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as wonderful warmed up, making busy mornings or next-day breakfasts a total breeze without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep all of those luscious flavors intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through to maintain its crisp top and creamy center. Microwaving works in a pinch but may sacrifice texture slightly, so the oven is always preferred for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche and croissants offer a buttery richness and soft texture, feel free to experiment with challah, French bread, or even regular sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s day-old to soak up the custard properly without becoming too soggy.
Do I have to use fresh blueberries?
Not at all. Frozen blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe and are available year-round. Just toss them in frozen without thawing to avoid turning the casserole too watery.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Swap whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Refrigerating overnight is best to let the bread soak up all the custard and flavors fully, but if you’re short on time, resting it for at least 2-3 hours will still yield tasty results.
Can I prepare this casserole for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up easily by doubling or tripling the ingredients and using larger baking dishes. Just make sure to adjust baking times slightly and check for that golden crust and set center.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe enough—it’s like a cozy celebration for your taste buds every time. The combination of sweet, tangy, creamy, and rich makes it a standout breakfast or brunch treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen and heart.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish perfect for easy weekend mornings or special occasions. Combining buttery brioche, flaky croissants, fresh blueberries, and creamy pockets of tangy cream cheese, all soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with a moist yet set center. Topped with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup drizzle, it offers a beautiful balance of warm sweetness, fruity brightness, and indulgent creaminess that will wow your family or guests.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf Brioche Bread (Use day-old bread for better absorption of custard.)
- 2 Croissants (Day-old croissants help maintain structure while soaking up flavor.)
Custard Mixture
- 8 Large Eggs (Acts as a binder, providing structure and richness.)
- 2 cups Whole Milk (Do not substitute with skim or half-and-half.)
- ½ cup Heavy Cream (Increases richness and creates a custard-like texture.)
- 3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor.)
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar (Sweetens the custard, enhances flavor depth.)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Additional sweetener, adds a maple flavor note.)
- ¾ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Provides warm spiciness.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness, enhances flavor.)
- 1 Lemon Zest (Adds brightness and fresh flavor.)
Filling and Toppings
- 1½ cups Fresh or Frozen Blueberries (Primary fruit component, adds juiciness.)
- 6 ounces Cream Cheese (Cut into small cubes to create pockets of creaminess and tang.)
- Fresh Blueberries (Use as a topping for added freshness.)
- Maple Syrup (Drizzle over the top for extra sweetness.)
- Confectioners’ Sugar (Dust on top for a lovely finish.)
Instructions
- Grease the Baking Pan: Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier once the casserole is baked.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche and croissants into 1-inch cubes. Using day-old bread helps it absorb the custard fully without becoming overly soggy.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Place half of the cubed brioche and croissants evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the blueberries and half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese cubes creating two layers.
- Add Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, making sure to cover every piece so the casserole soaks thoroughly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard completely. If short on time, refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours.
- Preheat Oven and Rest: When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 35 minutes. This initial covered baking prevents the top from browning too quickly while the interior cooks through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and the center is set but still moist.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh blueberries, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use day-old brioche and croissants for best texture and custard absorption.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before layering to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Letting the casserole rest at room temperature before baking promotes even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar and maple syrup according to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
