Thank you so much for stopping by today — you are in for such a treat! If you’ve been searching for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s show-stopping, easy to prep ahead, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this unbelievable blueberry French toast casserole is the one to bookmark. I can’t think of a better way to start the day — sweet, cozy, and made for sharing.
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What Is Blueberry French Toast Casserole?
This dish takes all the best parts of traditional French toast — soft, custardy bread, cinnamon-kissed richness, and golden edges — and transforms it into an easy, make-ahead casserole. Topped with juicy blueberries and a buttery brown sugar streusel, it’s everything we love about brunch, all baked into one dreamy pan.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry French Toast Casserole
There are just so many reasons to love this recipe, but here are a few that make it a repeat-favorite in my kitchen:
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Make-ahead friendly: The magic happens overnight, so your morning self will thank you.
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Perfect for feeding a crowd: Whether it’s Easter brunch or just a cozy weekend, this serves 12!
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Customizable: Swap out the fruit, the bread, or the spice — it still turns out beautifully.
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Comfort in a pan: Warm, tender, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine golden, custard-soaked bread laced with vanilla and cinnamon, pops of juicy blueberries in every bite, and a crackly brown sugar streusel on top. It’s like a cross between bread pudding and your favorite bakery-style muffin. Warmed up with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar? Absolute bliss.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
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Stress-free mornings — prep it the night before and wake up to a no-fuss breakfast.
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Budget-friendly — uses basic pantry ingredients and day-old bread.
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Freezer-friendly — stash leftovers or prep a pan ahead for future brunches.
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Kid-approved — it’s sweet, soft, and full of blueberries. What’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this heavenly bake:
Main Casserole
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1 (12–14 oz / 340–400g) loaf French bread, sourdough, or challah*
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1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries*
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8 large eggs
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2 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
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1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
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1/3 cup (69g) packed light or dark brown sugar
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1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings: Extra blueberries, maple syrup, and/or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Large mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Pastry cutter or two forks
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Plastic wrap or foil for covering overnight
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
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Bread: Any sturdy, crusty bread works — brioche, baguette, or even cinnamon swirl!
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Fruit: Try strawberries, raspberries, or chopped apples in place of blueberries.
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Dairy-free: Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk.
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Add a crunch: Add chopped pecans or slivered almonds to the streusel for texture.
How to Make Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and spread evenly in the pan. Scatter the blueberries over the bread.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, gently pressing down to ensure the bread soaks it up.
Step 3: Chill Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until crumbly. Refrigerate topping until ready to use.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the streusel over the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you like it.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm, topped with more blueberries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
What to Serve with Blueberry French Toast Casserole
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Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for savory contrast
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Fresh fruit salad for a light side
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Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
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Coffee, tea, or a brunch cocktail like a mimosa or bellini
Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole
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Use day-old bread for the best texture — it soaks up the custard without going mushy.
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Frozen blueberries are fine — no need to thaw!
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Press down on the bread after pouring the custard to ensure every bite is soaked.
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Customize the topping with nuts or even a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers tightly covered for 2–3 days.
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Freezer (Unbaked): Freeze the prepped casserole (without baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
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Freezer (Baked): Freeze baked casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 35 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this French toast casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a sturdy gluten-free loaf that can hold up to the custard without falling apart.
Is the streusel topping necessary?
You can skip it, but you’ll miss that sweet, buttery crunch on top! A simple cinnamon sugar sprinkle is a good alternative if you’re short on time.
Can I bake it without chilling overnight?
Yes, though the flavor and texture develop best when it sits overnight. If needed, let it soak for at least one hour before baking.
What can I use instead of blueberries?
No blueberries? No problem. Try strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, chopped apples, pears, or a mixed berry blend!
Can I freeze the casserole after baking?
Yes! Once cooled, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until warm.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
Day-old challah, sourdough, or French bread work wonderfully. Any crusty loaf that can soak up the custard without turning mushy is perfect.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes! Halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8 or 9-inch pan. Reduce the baking time to about 30–35 minutes.
More Overnight Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of cozy make-ahead breakfasts, don’t miss these delicious ideas:
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Overnight Blueberry Baked Oatmeal – warm, wholesome, and bursting with juicy berries.
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Overnight Raspberry Baked Oatmeal – bright, tart, and perfect with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
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Brown Sugar Overnight Oats (No Yogurt) – sweet, creamy, and a perfect grab-and-go option.
Let’s Stay Connected!
I’d love to hear how your casserole turns out! Leave a review below, snap a pic, and tag me on Pinterest — nothing makes my day like seeing your beautiful creations.
I promised you “unbelievable,” and I meant it! Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to make a special weekend treat, this blueberry French toast casserole is anything but boring!! Happy brunching
Print
Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (+ overnight)
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast bake made with soft bread cubes, juicy blueberries, and a warm vanilla-cinnamon custard. Topped with a buttery brown sugar streusel and prepped the night before, it’s the perfect make-ahead brunch for holidays, weekends, or whenever you’re craving something sweet, simple, and soul-soothing. Anything but boring!!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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1 (12–14 oz / 340–400g) loaf French bread, sourdough, or challah*
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1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries*
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8 large eggs
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2 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
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1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
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1/3 cup (69g) packed light or dark brown sugar
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1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings:
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Extra blueberries
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Maple syrup
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Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
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Prep the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and spread it evenly in the pan. Scatter blueberries on top.
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Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the bread cubes, gently pressing them down to soak. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 3–24 hours (overnight is ideal).
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Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until crumbly. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. (Bake 45 minutes for a softer texture or longer for a firmer finish.)
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Serve: Serve warm with extra blueberries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pure breakfast joy!
Notes
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Bread Tip: Day-old, crusty bread is best so it soaks up all the custard. Challah, sourdough, or French bread all work beautifully.
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Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and topping separately the night before. Store the topping in the fridge and sprinkle on before baking.
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Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Baked casserole can also be frozen for 3 months and reheated at 350°F for about 35 minutes.
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Fruit Swaps: Don’t have blueberries? Try raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or thinly sliced apples or pears for a seasonal twist.
- Equipment
9×13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowls
Whisk
Pastry cutter or forks
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap or foil
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (+ overnight chill time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of casserole
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: blueberry french toast casserole, make ahead brunch, overnight french toast, baked breakfast casserole