There’s something truly comforting about waking up to a warm, cinnamon-kissed breakfast that’s bursting with fresh blueberries. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe combines those cozy flavors with a light lemon zest, making it a standout morning treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of my favorite go-tos for weekend mornings when I want something special without a ton of fuss. It’s basically that perfect middle ground between a classic french toast and a breakfast bake, with juicy bursts of blueberry in every bite.
- Make-ahead convenience: You prep it the night before, so in the morning all you do is pop it in the oven — perfect for stress-free hosting.
- Bright flavor twist: The lemon zest folded into the brown sugar adds this subtle freshness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Custardy texture: Thanks to the eggs, milk, and melted butter soaking into the brioche, every slice is rich but still light and fluffy.
- Versatility: You can easily swap blueberries for other fruit or add your favorite nuts for extra crunch — I love making it my own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in how simple, quality ingredients come together. Each plays a crucial role to create that custardy, flavorful breakfast that sings with blueberry goodness.
- Brioche bread:The rich, buttery texture soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart like some breads might.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: They burst with juiciness during baking, giving each bite a sweet and slightly tart surprise.
- Lemon zest: Adds unexpected brightness and balances the sweetness from the brown sugar.
- Light brown sugar: Its molasses notes deepen the flavor and create a subtle caramelization on top.
- Eggs: Essential for that creamy custard soak that holds the casserole together.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess — don’t skip it or swap it for something too thin.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled so it blends smoothly and adds richness.
- Pure vanilla extract: A small touch that rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to amplify the sweetness and balance the dish.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I’ve swapped out fruits and added touches that keep it feeling fresh without losing that classic charm.
- Variation: I sometimes swap blueberries for frozen cherries or sliced peaches, especially in late summer — just fresh or frozen works fine.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter; the texture shifts a bit but still delicious.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a nutty twist I adore.
- Make it even more decadent: Drizzle a little cream cheese glaze after baking — trust me, it’s a game-changer for celebrations.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Bread Cubes
Start by spraying a 9x13-inch baking pan generously with nonstick cooking spray — trust me, it makes cleanup soooo much easier. Then, using a serrated knife, slice brioche into 1-inch cubes. I like to be gentle so the cubes keep their shape but still soak up the custard really well.
Step 2: Layer Bread and Blueberries
Lay half of your bread cubes evenly in the pan and sprinkle half the blueberries on top. Repeat with remaining bread and blueberries. This layering makes sure you get those fruity pockets of blueberry in each bite — and it looks pretty too!
Step 3: Mix the Sweet, Zesty Custard
In a large bowl, rub lemon zest into the brown sugar until fragrant – this little step wakes up the lemon oils and gives a more vibrant flavor. Then whisk in eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Pour, Cover, and Refrigerate
Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the assembled bread and blueberries, letting it soak in. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Patience here is key — this soak time ensures that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Preheat your oven to 350°F, and when ready, take the casserole out from the fridge to let it warm slightly while your oven heats up. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake uncovered 10-15 more minutes until the top is puffed and golden, and the inside is set. Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Top Tip
From my experience, giving the casserole a good soak and letting the lemon zest infuse the sugar are game changers. Here are some quick tips that made my Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe shine every time.
- Use sturdy bread like brioche: I tried sandwich bread once, and it turned soggy fast — brioche holds up and adds buttery flavor.
- Keep the blueberries frozen: They don’t need thawing and bake beautifully without making the casserole watery.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest-mixing technique: Rubbing zest into sugar releases oils that brighten the whole dish.
- Cover while baking first: This traps moisture so the custard sets without drying out, then uncovered for a golden finish.
How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like keeping it simple with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream also add a nice touch if I’m feeling fancy or hosting friends.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage if you want some savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad on the side adds freshness, while a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice rounds it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I sometimes bake it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass baking dish so the blueberries and custard show through like a pretty breakfast parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that covering tightly helps maintain moisture so it doesn’t dry out, keeping it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, it’s almost as good as fresh — perfect for busy mornings!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes to avoid sogginess. Microwave is faster but can make it a little rubbery, so I save that for when I’m in a real rush.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While brioche is ideal due to its buttery texture and ability to soak custard without falling apart, you can also use challah, Texas toast, or a sturdy white bread. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it may turn mushy.
No need to thaw frozen blueberries. Adding them frozen helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery while still giving you bursts of fresh flavor baked right in.
You can refrigerate the casserole covered for anywhere between 4 hours to up to 12 hours overnight. This soak time is key for the custard to fully absorb into the bread for a perfect texture.
Absolutely! You can halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish or even use individual ramekins for single servings. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for a set custard and golden top.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen routine — it’s the ultimate blend of ease and indulgence. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend brunch or a festive holiday morning, you’ll love how this recipe makes everyone feel right at home. Give it a try and let those warm blueberry and lemon flavors brighten your day!
Print
Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole features fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon zest baked into a rich, custardy bread pudding. It’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that’s easy to prepare the night before and bake the next morning for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces brioche bread
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ⅔ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Assemble Bread and Blueberries: Using a large serrated knife, slice the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread half the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan, sprinkle half the blueberries over the bread, then layer the remaining bread cubes and blueberries on top, distributing evenly.
- Mix Lemon Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and light brown sugar. Rub the lemon zest into the sugar using your fingertips until fragrant and well mixed.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: Add eggs, whole milk, melted and cooled butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the lemon sugar mixture. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, making sure all pieces are soaked. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, up to 12 hours for maximum flavor and custard absorption.
- Preheat Oven and Rest: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats to ensure even baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes. This step allows the custard to set without drying out the top layer.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the french toast is puffed evenly and the custard is fully cooked through in the center.
- Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- Use fresh, plump blueberries for the best flavor, or frozen blueberries if fresh are not available, but do not thaw frozen blueberries before adding to the casserole.
- Allowing the casserole to soak overnight enhances the custard’s absorption, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
- If you want a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the layers.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast syrup, fruit compotes, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (without syrup)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 296 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 211 mg
Leave a Reply