Name: Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 9 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf day old French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 12 to 14 cups); 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for greasing); 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.1 from 81 reviews

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that practically makes itself, this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine layers of tender, custardy French bread that soak up a rich mixture of eggs, cream, and warm spices, generously studded with fresh blueberries and crowned with a sweet, crumbly topping. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat that wakes up your senses and brings a burst of sunshine to your morning table. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a lazy weekend, this casserole hits all the right notes with minimal effort but maximum comfort and flavor.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh gems that work harmoniously together to create the perfect balance of creamy custard, fruity brightness, and crunchy topping in your casserole.

Day-old French bread, 12 to 14 cups cubed: Stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, giving you that tender yet sturdy texture.
Fresh blueberries, 1 1/2 cups: Bursting with natural sweetness and a pop of color that make each bite irresistible.
Large eggs, 8: Provide richness and bind everything together into a luscious custard.
Whole milk, 2 cups: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard base.
Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Elevates the decadence and silky texture of the custard.
Granulated sugar, 2/3 cup: Sweetens the custard evenly without overpowering the berries.
Brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Brings warm caramel notes and depth to the custard mixture.
Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Infuses a fragrant sweetness that complements the cinnamon and berries beautifully.
Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Adds cozy spice flavor that’s classic in breakfast casseroles.
Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Melted butter, 2 tablespoons (for greasing): Keeps the casserole from sticking and enriches the crust’s flavor.
All-purpose flour, 1/4 cup: Helps create the crumbly, buttery topping that adds unforgettable texture contrast.
Cold butter, 1/4 cup cubed: Cut into the flour and sugar for a perfectly crisp topping after baking.
Brown sugar, 1/4 cup (for topping): Sweetens and caramelizes the topping for a golden finish.

How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer the Bread and Blueberries

Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with the melted butter so your casserole will lift out easily after baking. Layer half of the cubed French bread across the bottom of the dish, then evenly sprinkle half of your fresh blueberries on top. Repeat by adding the remaining bread cubes and then the rest of the blueberries. This layering ensures bursts of blueberry flavor throughout every portion.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, combine all your custard ingredients: eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk vigorously until everything is fully blended and smooth. This custard mixture is what will soak into the bread cubes overnight, turning them tender and rich with spicy-sweet flavor.

Step 3: Pour Custard Over Bread and Refrigerate

Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Using a spatula or your hands (clean-clean!), gently press down to help the bread absorb the custard as much as possible. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to let all those flavors meld and the bread soak up the creamy mixture perfectly.

Step 4: Make the Sweet Crumb Topping and Bake

Once your casserole has soaked overnight and you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix together the flour and brown sugar for the topping, then cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the soaked casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the custard is fully set in the center and the topping is beautifully golden and crisp. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the custard settle.

How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

The best part of this casserole? It’s a blank canvas for your favorite finishing touches. Try a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or drizzle warm maple syrup to add a luxurious sweetness. For extra flair and freshness, scatter a few more blueberries or a sprig of mint on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for a balance of sweet and salty flavors. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon can provide a refreshing contrast. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side also adds a nice tangy creaminess while boosting protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch. You can also set up a brunch buffet with small bowls of toppings like nuts, whipped cream, or different syrups so guests can customize their servings. This makes your Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe even more interactive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mellow and the dish reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect next-day breakfast treat.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for about 1 to 2 minutes. This will help bring back the crispness of the topping and creaminess of the custard without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well and can be added directly to the casserole without thawing first. They’ll impart lovely color and flavor as they bake.

Do I have to use day-old bread?

Day-old bread is best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. If you only have fresh bread, toast it lightly to firm it up before cubing.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for greasing and the topping.

How can I add extra flavor to the custard?

Try stirring in 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the custard for a little twist. Both add a lovely warm or bright note respectively.

Is this casserole suitable for a large crowd?

Definitely! You can easily double the ingredients and use two baking dishes to serve more people. It’s great for holiday brunches or family gatherings because it feeds a crowd with minimal stress.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about waking up to the aroma of a baked breakfast waiting for you, and this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of magic. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So go ahead and give it a try — your mornings just found a new hero!