If you’ve been searching for a breakfast dish that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a chilly morning, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole. Imagine tender cubes of challah bread soaked in a luscious cinnamon-vanilla custard, bursting with sweet-tart blueberries, and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel. It bakes into a golden masterpiece that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious and requires almost no morning effort thanks to its overnight prep. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and fresh, making it a favorite brunch staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet essential ingredients—each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the rich and eggy custard to the vibrant blueberries and the sweet, crunchy topping, every element is a star here.
- Challah bread, 1 loaf (about 12 ounces), cubed: Its soft, slightly sweet texture soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, 2 cups: Adds bursts of juicy tartness and lovely speckles of deep blue throughout.
- Large eggs, 6: The rich base that transforms the bread into custardy perfection.
- Whole milk, 2 cups: Contributes creaminess and a mild dairy flavor.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Adds extra richness and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar, 1/3 cup: Sweetens the custard without overwhelming the fresh fruit.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Infuses warm, fragrant notes that elevate every bite.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Brings a comforting spice that pairs perfectly with blueberries and bread.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup: For the streusel topping, offering deep molasses flavor and caramelization.
- All-purpose flour, 1/4 cup: Creates structure in the crumbly topping.
- Cold unsalted butter, 1/4 cup, cut into small pieces: Makes the streusel delightfully crisp and buttery.
- Maple syrup, for serving: Optional but highly recommended for drizzling sweetness and extra warmth.
How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Layer the Bread and Blueberries
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Then layer half of your cubed challah bread evenly across the dish. Sprinkle half the blueberries over this first bread layer to scatter juicy fruit pockets in every bite. Add the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries. This layering creates lovely bursts of blueberry flavor throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy, which helps the custard soak uniformly into the bread cubes. This custard is where the magic really starts happening, infusing each bite with creamy, spiced goodness.
Step 3: Soak and Refrigerate Overnight
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and berries in the dish. Gently press down to help the bread absorb all the luscious liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. This slow soak allows the bread to become perfectly tender while holding its shape, making your morning stress-free.
Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the brown sugar and flour in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter pieces with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this is your streusel, which will bake into a crunchy, golden topping that adds irresistible texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Remove the casserole from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly across the surface. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center. Let it cool a bit before serving to make slicing easier and to allow flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole to stunning heights. Fresh blueberries scattered on top add a fresh burst of color and tartness, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a delicate, snowy finish. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream brings extra sweetness and creaminess that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit salad or crisp bacon can complement and balance the meal perfectly. A side of lightly dressed greens or even some citrusy yogurt can also brighten things up, adding freshness to your brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the casserole in individual mini ramekins for personal portions, or add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for extra crunch. You could also layer in other berries like raspberries or blackberries to mix up the flavors and colors while keeping the spirit of the Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after a day, making for a delicious next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions of the casserole by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave single servings for about 1-2 minutes for a quick breakfast treat, but the oven method helps keep the streusel topping crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread besides challah?
Absolutely! Brioche or even a sturdy white bread works wonderfully. The key is to use bread that has a slightly sweet flavor and can soak up the custard without turning mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk, and use a vegan butter alternative for the streusel. The casserole will still be rich and delicious.
Is it okay to use frozen blueberries?
Definitely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. No need to thaw them before layering; they’ll release their juicy goodness during baking, adding wonderful flavor and moisture.
How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
It’s best to refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Any longer than 24 hours is not recommended, as the bread might become overly soggy and lose its texture.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping is a fantastic idea for some nutty crunch. You can mix about 1/2 cup into the topping before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to a warm, comforting dish that practically makes itself the night before. This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is one of those treasures—simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Give it a try and make your mornings not just easier, but downright delightful!
Print
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish featuring layers of challah bread and fresh blueberries soaked in a rich custard, topped with a buttery streusel. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for busy mornings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread (about 12 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
To Serve
- Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cubed challah bread evenly in the dish and sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the remaining blueberries.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, pressing gently to help the bread soak up the liquid.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Streusel: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture has coarse crumbs.
- Add Streusel and Bake: Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired for added sweetness.
Notes
- For a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
- You can swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different berry flavor.
- Using day-old challah or brioche bread is ideal for better texture, but fresh bread will work if cubed and slightly dried out.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative for the streusel.
