Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole: A Perfect Morning Indulgence
If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that delivers both comfort and indulgence, look no further than Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. This dish is a perfect combination of warm, fluffy French toast, sweet blueberries, and rich cream cheese, all baked together and topped with maple syrup. It’s a breakfast treat that’s perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or any time you want to enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that feels like a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking, Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups of bread, cubed – For the best results, use a high-quality bread such as French, brioche, challah, or sourdough. These breads have a sturdy texture that holds up well when soaked in the custard mixture, absorbing all the flavors while baking. If you don’t have these types of bread on hand, any bread you have will work in a pinch, but the final dish may differ slightly in texture.
- 12 eggs – The eggs provide the base for the custard mixture that binds the casserole together. They contribute to the soft, rich texture of the French toast.
- 2 ½ cups of milk – Milk adds the necessary moisture to the egg mixture. You can use whole milk for a richer flavor, or opt for a lighter milk alternative if you prefer.
- ⅓ cup of maple syrup – Maple syrup is the sweetener for the custard, contributing a distinct sweetness that pairs beautifully with the blueberries. If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey can be a great substitute.
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla – Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the casserole, adding depth and sweetness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – The cinnamon gives the casserole a warm, comforting flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 block (8 oz.) of cream cheese – The cream cheese is cut into small cubes and scattered over the bread before baking. It melts into the casserole, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish.
- 1 ½ cups of fresh blueberries – Fresh blueberries add a burst of tartness and sweetness. They also provide a lovely pop of color and texture.
Instructions
- Assemble the Casserole
Begin by cutting or pulling the bread into roughly ¾-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure the bread is spread out well, so each piece will soak up the custard mixture. The bread will act as the base, absorbing the rich egg mixture and forming the heart of the casserole. - Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend everything together for about 15-30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The blender helps to evenly distribute the eggs and milk, ensuring a uniform custard for the casserole. - Pour the Custard Over the Bread
Evenly pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Make sure all of the bread cubes are coated with the custard. You can use a spoon or spatula to gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid. - Add the Cream Cheese and Blueberries
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes, about ½ inch in diameter, and scatter them evenly across the top of the bread mixture. The cream cheese will melt and create pockets of creamy goodness as the casserole bakes. Then, rinse the blueberries and spread them across the top as well. The berries will pop and release their juices, adding sweetness and color to the casserole. - Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This step allows the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture, ensuring a rich, flavorful base for the casserole. It also makes the casserole incredibly convenient to prepare ahead of time, so all you need to do in the morning is bake it. - Bake the Casserole
In the morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. For the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up and become golden brown. The casserole should be fully cooked through with a golden-brown top and a soft, custardy interior. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole warm, topped with your favorite maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Substitute the Fruit: While blueberries are the star of this dish, you can easily swap them out for other fruits. Try raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile. You could also combine several different berries for a colorful and flavorful mix.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, either mixed in with the bread or sprinkled on top before baking. They’ll add texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.
- Use Different Breads: The choice of bread will affect the texture of the casserole. Brioche and challah will give it a soft, rich texture, while sourdough will add a slightly tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread based on what you have available.
- Make It Dairy-Free: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, try using non-dairy milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and dairy-free cream cheese. You can also substitute maple syrup for a different sweetener if desired.
- Spice it Up: If you want to add a little more warmth and depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the egg mixture. These spices will complement the cinnamon and add an extra layer of complexity to the dish.