Name: Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb rustic or crusty bread, cubed (about 10 cups); 1½ to 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen); 5 large eggs; 1½ cups milk; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; Pinch of salt; 8 tablespoons sugar (divided); 2 tablespoons butter, diced (for topping); Optional: powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving

Jump to Recipe

What Is Blueberry French Toast Casserole?

Blueberry French Toast Casserole takes cubed rustic bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard and bakes it into a cozy, sweet breakfast dish that’s studded with blueberries and golden on top. It’s like eating French toast and bread pudding in the same bite — perfect for holiday mornings, Sunday brunch, or whenever you want something that feels a little extra without the extra effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super simple to make: You can throw this together in 15 minutes flat.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
Feeds a crowd: Great for family brunches or holiday mornings.
Versatile: Works with fresh or frozen blueberries and different types of bread.
Crazy good texture: Crispy golden top, custardy inside, and juicy blueberry bites throughout.

A hand pouring syrup over a slice of blueberry bread pudding on a white and blue plate with the full casserole dish in the background.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this sweet breakfast casserole:

1 lb rustic or crusty bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
1½ to 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
5 large eggs
1½ cups milk
1½ cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
8 tablespoons sugar (divided)
2 tablespoons butter, diced (for topping)

Optional for serving:

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup

How to Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole

1. Prep the Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Scatter half the bread cubes into the dish, followed by about two-thirds of the blueberries. Top with the remaining bread and the rest of the blueberries.

2. Make the Custard

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon zest, salt, and 6 tablespoons of sugar until smooth.

3. Pour and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture. Gently press down on the top layer so the bread soaks up the custard. Let it sit for 30 minutes on the counter, or cover and refrigerate overnight if you’re planning ahead.

4. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top and dot with diced butter. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and slightly crisp on top.

5. Serve

Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tips for Success

Use sturdy bread: A rustic country loaf or day-old sourdough holds up best and soaks the custard like a champ.
Go frozen if needed: Frozen blueberries work great. No need to thaw — just toss them in straight from the freezer.
Don’t skip the lemon zest: It adds a little zing that balances all that creamy sweetness.
Soaking overnight? Awesome! It makes the inside even richer and more custardy.

Fun Variations

Cinnamon swirl bread: Swap the rustic loaf for cinnamon swirl bread for extra sweetness.
Mix the berries: Add raspberries or blackberries for a juicy berry combo.
Crunchy topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or slivered almonds before baking for a nutty finish.
Savory twist: Use less sugar, skip the lemon zest, and add crumbled bacon for a sweet-savory vibe.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Pop in the microwave for a quick warm-up or reheat in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Nutrition Snapshot

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: ~430
Fat: ~21g
Carbs: ~50g
Protein: ~9g

Just keep in mind — this is a treat, not a kale salad.

Hand sprinkling sugar over unbaked blueberry bread pudding with cubes of bread, blueberries, and butter in a white baking dish.

What to Serve With It

This casserole is a brunch superstar, but here are some killer pairings:

Scrambled eggs or a cheesy egg bake for a savory contrast.
Thick-cut bacon or breakfast sausage on the side.
Fresh fruit salad to keep it light and colorful.
Coffee or mimosas — because it’s brunch, right?

For more blueberry magic, check out the Blueberry Buttermilk Breakfast Cake or pair this with something like Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast for a savory balance. And if you’re just in a breakfast mood in general, the breakfast recipe section has plenty more gems like overnight oats, baked oatmeal, and more.

Final Thoughts

Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the no-fuss, high-reward recipe you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, cozy, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a bakery on a lazy weekend morning.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, this dish hits all the right notes. Make it once, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a family favorite.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole – A Sweet, Crowd‑Pleasing Breakfast Bake

What Is Blueberry French Toast Casserole?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need