Name: Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 8 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split (1 tsp for mixture, 2 tsp for egg mixture); 1 cup blueberries (for cream cheese mixture); 2 loaves cubed French bread; 2 cups milk; 8 eggs; 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup blueberries (for topping)

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Introduction

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day with a creamy, fruity treat. Layers of soft French bread, a rich cream cheese filling, and fresh blueberries soak overnight to create a deliciously comforting breakfast bake.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked dessert showing two main layers: the bottom layer is a deep purple blueberry filling with whole blueberries visible, and the top layer is a golden-brown baked dough with a slightly crispy texture, consisting of irregular square pieces scattered across the surface, showing spots where the purple filling comes through. The dish sits on a white marbled table surface, with a white flower pot holding purple flowers in the blurry background near a window, and a stack of white plates with silver forks placed beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split
2 cups blueberries, divided
2 loaves cubed French bread
2 cups milk
8 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of the blueberries to distribute them evenly.
Step 2: Layer the bottom of a 10×14-inch baking dish with half of the cubed French bread, creating an even base. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread layer, then top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the layered bread, making sure all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for about 30 more minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. The total baking time is approximately 75 minutes.
Step 6: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, fruity breakfast treat!

Tips & Variations

Use day-old French bread for best texture as it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy.
Swap blueberries for other berries or fruits like raspberries or sliced strawberries.
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the egg mixture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish holds a blueberry cobbler, with roughly three layers visible: the bottom layer is deep purple blueberry filling, thick and juicy, nestled with whole blueberries scattered across; the top layer is golden-brown baked biscuit dough, textured with a crispy, slightly uneven surface, broken into rough chunks that sit atop the berries; some cooked blueberry juice bubbles up between the biscuit pieces, creating a contrast of purple against the warm biscuit color. The dish rests on a white marbled textured surface, with a stack of white plates and a small white pot of purple flowers blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole on the same day instead of overnight?

Yes, you can bake the casserole without refrigerating overnight, but soaking the bread for at least 4 hours helps develop a creamier texture and better flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze cooled portions in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.