If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet incredibly easy breakfast, this Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the answer. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this make-ahead dish combines cubes of soft bread soaked in a rich custard, dotted with juicy blueberries, and pockets of tangy cream cheese. Baked until golden and topped with a drizzle of syrup or dusting of powdered sugar, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to elevate your weekend breakfast.
The best part? You can prep everything the night before, pop it in the fridge, and simply bake it in the morning—your house will smell like a cozy bakery in no time. Using everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, this Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole gives you all the comfort of traditional French toast with less effort and a fun twist.
Whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday morning, or just because—it’s sweet, creamy, fruity, and absolutely satisfying. The combination of warm custard, fresh blueberries, and melted cream cheese makes this a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.
What Makes This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Special?
- Make-ahead convenience: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Perfect texture combo: Creamy inside, crispy golden crust on top.
- Burst of flavor: Tart blueberries and tangy cream cheese make every bite pop.
- Great for gatherings: Feeds a crowd with little fuss.
- No-fail recipe: Easy to follow, even for beginners.
This dish simplifies breakfast or brunch while delivering that “wow” factor. From busy mornings to leisurely weekends, it saves time without sacrificing taste.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: Use day-old brioche, challah, or French bread. Stale bread holds up better to the custard.
- Blueberries: Fresh are best, but frozen can work too (no need to thaw).
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat block cream cheese. It melts beautifully and adds tang.
- Eggs: Large eggs create the base of the custard.
- Milk & cream: Whole milk or half-and-half adds richness.
- Maple syrup: Adds a warm sweetness to the custard.
- Vanilla extract: For depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon: Optional, but adds warmth.
Equipment: A 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl, whisk, foil.
How To Make Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- Prep the bread: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread half into a greased 9×13 dish.
- Add blueberries and cream cheese: Sprinkle half the blueberries and dot half the cream cheese cubes over the bread.
- Repeat layers: Add remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese.
- Make the custard: Whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup cream, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- Pour and chill: Pour evenly over bread. Press down gently. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until puffed and golden. Center should be set but slightly soft.
- Cool and serve: Let rest 10 minutes. Top with syrup, powdered sugar, or extra berries.
Storage Options
- Room temp: Not recommended beyond 2 hours.
- Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat: Microwave slices or reheat covered at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Berry swap: Try raspberries, strawberries, or a mix.
- Savory twist: Omit syrup, add cooked bacon or sausage.
- Dairy-free: Use almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Holiday version: Add orange zest and cranberries.
- Gluten-free: Use GF bread that holds up well when soaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes! No need to thaw, just toss them in frozen.
Can I use another type of bread? Yes, just make sure it’s thick and slightly stale—avoid soft sandwich bread.
Why is my casserole soggy? It may be underbaked. Check the center—look for puffiness and only slight jiggle.
How far in advance can I make it? 24 hours ahead is ideal. Bake just before serving.
Can I make it without cream cheese? Sure! The texture will change, but you can swap in mascarpone or skip it entirely.
How do I know when it’s done baking? Top should be golden and the center set but soft. A knife should come out mostly clean.
Conclusion
This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole brings all the cozy, homemade breakfast vibes with none of the morning rush. It’s comforting, beautiful, and satisfying—perfect for holidays, special occasions, or lazy Sundays. Give it a try and let your kitchen be filled with the sweet scent of blueberries and warm custard. Let us know how it turns out!
Print
Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Layer half of bread, blueberries, and cream cheese in greased 9×13 dish.
- Repeat with remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour over the casserole, press down gently. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Top with syrup or powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~330
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g