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Easy Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Close-up of a moist slice of Blueberry French Toast Casserole topped with fresh blueberries and brown sugar streusel.
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Prepare this simple, make-ahead casserole the night before for a stress-free, custardy, and fluffy breakfast perfect for holiday brunch or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) thick-cut bread (like challah or sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (optional, for richness)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If using cream cheese, cut it into small cubes and scatter them evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
  2. Arrange the bread cubes over the cream cheese layer, if used. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the bread.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This forms the custard base.
  4. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread soaks up the liquid. Gently press down on the bread to submerge it.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap.
  7. Prepare the crunchy topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean). If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm. Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For the best custardy texture, use slightly stale or day-old bread. Sourdough bread adds a nice tang.
  • If you skip the overnight rest, let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, though the texture will be less custardy.
  • This recipe serves 8 people, making it ideal for holiday brunch gatherings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/