Name: Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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

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.

A thick slice of baked bread pudding with blueberries is shown on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The bread pudding has a golden-brown crust with visible juicy blueberries inside the soft, creamy inside. On top, there is a layer of fresh whole blueberries dusted with powdered sugar and small green mint leaves. A silver container is pouring amber-colored syrup over the bread pudding, where the syrup drips down the sides and pools on the plate. In the background, a blurred bowl filled with blueberries sits next to some crispy bacon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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.

A close-up view of a white plate shows a thick, layered slice of golden baked bread pudding filled with dark purple blueberries, with a soft and slightly crispy texture on top. The top layer has powdery white sugar sprinkled on it and fresh blueberries scattered. A small green mint leaf sits on top as garnish. Behind the bread pudding, two long, crispy strips of reddish-brown bacon rest on the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and a silver fork rests at the edge of the bread pudding, lifting a piece with visible blueberries inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of fresh golden brioche bread cut into cubes, a mound of plump fresh blueberries, a small pile of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, eight large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt crystals arranged neatly in a tiny white bowl, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Blueberry French Toast - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use another type of bread for this casserole?

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.

Do I have to thaw frozen blueberries before adding?

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.

How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?

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.

Can I prepare smaller portions of this casserole?

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!