Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat that combines sweet blueberries with rich cream cheese and soft, custardy bread. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion when you want something comforting yet impressive.
Ingredients
- Bread – 8 cups cubed (day-old is best)
- Cream cheese – 8 ounces, softened
- Blueberries – 1 cup, fresh or frozen
- Eggs – 6 large
- Milk – 2 cups
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Dollop half of the cream cheese over the bread and sprinkle with half of the blueberries.
- Step 3: Layer the remaining bread, cream cheese, and blueberries on top.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, pressing down gently to help it soak in.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top.
- Step 7: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the egg mixture.
- Swap blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries depending on your preference.
- Use brioche or challah bread for a richer texture.
- Make it the night before by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it, then bake in the morning.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just sprinkle them over the layers without thawing to prevent extra moisture from making the casserole soggy.
What type of bread is best for this casserole?
Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. Brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread are excellent choices for a tender texture.
PrintBlueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish featuring layers of soft bread, tangy cream cheese, and fresh blueberries baked to perfection. The creamy custard made from eggs and milk soaks into the bread, resulting in a rich and flavorful casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 8 slices of bread, preferably brioche or challah, cut into cubes
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Layer the bread and cream cheese: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Scatter half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread, then sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries on top.
- Add remaining layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread cubes, cream cheese, and blueberries to create a second layer.
- Mix the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour custard over the casserole: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, ensuring all pieces absorb the custard.
- Let it soak: Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; if frozen, do not thaw before adding.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the egg mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version, though the texture will vary.
Keywords: blueberry french toast casserole, cream cheese french toast, baked french toast, breakfast casserole, brunch recipes
