Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a decadent and creamy baked breakfast dish perfect for a cozy morning or special occasion. It features layers of cubed French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, interspersed with a luscious cream cheese and blueberry filling. The casserole is assembled the night before, refrigerated, then baked to golden perfection, yielding a comforting blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 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)
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves cubed French bread
Egg Mixture
- 2 cups milk
- 8 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup blueberries (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Bread Layers: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, layer the bottom with cubed French bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer. Top with the remaining cubed bread to form a second layer.
- Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture: 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 evenly over the layered bread in the dish, making sure all bread pieces are soaked. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup blueberries on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking the casserole.
- Bake the Dish: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned. The total bake time is about 75 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking, then serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy, and fruity breakfast treat.
Notes
- The casserole can be assembled the night before which makes it convenient for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
- Ensure the bread is well cubed and evenly layered to soak up all the egg mixture for maximum flavor.
- Use fresh blueberries for the best texture and taste, but frozen berries can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
- Allowing the casserole to sit out for 30 to 60 minutes before baking helps it bake evenly.
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup when serving for added sweetness.
- To make ahead, the casserole can be refrigerated covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
Keywords: Blueberry French Toast Casserole, Overnight French Toast, Breakfast Casserole, Cream Cheese French Toast, Blueberry Breakfast Bake
