If you’ve never made a French toast casserole, you’re missing out! Rather than standing at the stove, flipping French toast all morning, prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you need to feed a large group of people. If you like French toast (it’s literally my FAVORITE BREAKFAST of all time!), then you’ll want to make my mouthwatering French Toast Muffins, Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Sticks, and My Dad’s French Toast recipes!
The eggy milk mixture turns into near custard as it sits with the bread in the refrigerator. This one is wonderful with a dab of my easy homemade butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or Nutella on top. It feeds 12 people and is perfect on Christmas morning, or on weekends as you can relish the delectable French toast aroma as it bakes in the oven. Topping it with powdered sugar, creamy homemade butter, and pure maple syrup make one unforgettable comfort breakfast!
One of the best things about this casserole is that you can prep the casserole ahead of time a day or two, and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to bake it, just pull it out and pop it in the oven! My insanely delicious blueberry French toast casserole recipe contains French bread, fresh blueberries, eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Optional toppings include butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and whipped cream.
Ingredients in Blueberry French Toast Casserole
French bread. French bread is the bread in the casserole.
Blueberries. Fresh blueberries add a tart and sweet flavor as well as provide numerous nutritional benefits.
Eggs. Eggs provide nutrition, texture, and help bind the bread as it bakes.
Milk. Milk offers a creamy and smooth texture.
Heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream adds flavor and a thick and creamy texture.
Cinnamon. Cinnamon offers many nutritional benefits and provides spice and flavor in this dish.
Brown sugar. Brown sugar has a higher moisture content than white or granulated sugar which helps keep the casserole moist.
Granulated sugar. Granulated sugar provides a sweet, caramelized taste when baked.
Vanilla extract. Vanilla extract adds aroma, depth, and a sweet and soft flavor to this casserole; it evaporates and cooks down when heated.
Benefits of blueberries
Blueberries are a “superfood,” meaning they’re low in calories and are packed with numerous nutrients. According to Healthline’s article, blueberries are believed to have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables. The primary antioxidant compounds in blueberries belong to a family of polyphenol antioxidants known as flavonoids. A particular group of flavonoids known as anthocyanins is believed to be responsible for most of the blueberries’ beneficial health effects. Further, blueberries have shown to directly increase antioxidant levels in the body.
Healthline’s post further reports that blueberries reduce oxidative DNA damage which may protect against cancer and prevent aging. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and as a result, can neutralize the free radicals that naturally occur in the environment which could also damage your DNA and compromise your health.
How to make the best Blueberry French Toast Casserole
STEP 1: Slice the loaf of bread and let it dry out a bit. The more stale and dry the bread, the more it will absorb the milk and egg mixture. Once it’s dry, chop into 1-inch chunks and pour into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
STEP 2: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. I had mine in the fridge about 24 hours when I baked it. It needs time to chill and absorb the milk and eggs.
STEP 3: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Remove the dish from the fridge. Bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or Nutella.
STEP 4: If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Variations
If you’re not into blueberries, you can use raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, peeled apples, or any fruit that bakes well. You can omit the fruit entirely if you wish.
Recommended items to make this recipe
- Casserole dish. This is one of my favorite casserole dishes.
- Large bowl. This is a wonderful large bowl.
- Whisk. I love this whisk most.
More recipes you’ll love!
Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Sticks
Cracker Barrel Copycat Hash Brown Casserole
Egg and Veggie Breakfast Muffins
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Blueberry French Toast Casserole, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Easy Blueberry French Toast Casserole (Vegetarian)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread can also use challah bread or a loaf of white sandwich bread
- 6 oz. package blueberries or 1 cup; you can also use frozen blueberries and if you do, no need to thaw them
- 9 eggs
- 2 c milk any type; I use 1% organic
- ½ c heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, Nutella, whipped cream, and so on optional
Instructions
- Slice the loaf of bread and let it dry out a bit. The more stale and dry the bread, the more it will absorb the milk and egg mixture. Once it’s dry, chop into 1-inch chunks and pour into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. I had mine in the fridge about 24 hours when I baked it. It needs time to chill and absorb the milk and eggs.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Remove the dish from the fridge. Bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or Nutella.
- If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Nutrition (per serving)
Want to save these directions?
Share this recipe!
Elise’s Kitchen Favorites
