Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy breakfast dish that combines creamy layers of cream cheese and fresh blueberries with custardy baked bread. Perfect for brunch or a special weekend treat, it offers a sweet, tangy flavor with a soft, golden texture.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Bread and Dairy
- 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the casserole does not stick.
- Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese: In the prepared dish, spread half of the cubed bread evenly. Dot the cream cheese cubes over the bread, then sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries on top.
- Add the Remaining Bread and Blueberries: Layer the remaining bread cubes over the first layer, and top with the remaining blueberries, distributing them evenly.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Pour Custard Over Layers: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, allowing it to soak into the bread for a few minutes to ensure full absorption.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; if using frozen, do not thaw before adding.
- To make it ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
- Possible variations include adding a crumb topping or using flavored cream cheese for extra richness.
- This casserole freezes well; freeze baked pieces individually and reheat in the oven.
Keywords: Blueberry French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Casserole, Cream Cheese French Toast, Baked French Toast, Blueberry Breakfast