Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful, creamy baked breakfast dish featuring layers of cubed French bread soaked in a rich egg and milk mixture, studded with fresh blueberries and swirled with a luscious cream cheese mixture. Perfect for make-ahead mornings, it bakes to a golden, custardy perfection that’s bursting with sweet vanilla and warm spice notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (preferably Philadelphia)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract, divided
- 1 cup blueberries
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves French bread, cubed (day-old recommended)
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (remaining half from vanilla)
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Bread Layers: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, spread half the cubed French bread evenly on the bottom. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread layer. Top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.
- Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup fresh blueberries until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese in the baking dish, ensuring all bread is soaked through. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Bake the Dish: Bake the covered casserole for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned and golden. Total bake time should be about 75 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the creamy, fruity richness of this blueberry French toast casserole!
Notes
- Day-old French bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- For extra richness, use whole milk, but any milk can be substituted.
- You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Make sure to let the casserole come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of casserole)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
