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 so comforting about waking up to the sweet aroma of baked breakfast. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings or special brunches because it’s both deliciously easy and wonderfully impressive. The fresh blueberries with a touch of lemon zest make it bright and fresh, turning ordinary French toast into a dreamy, custardy delight.

A thick square slice of bread pudding with visible blueberries inside and a golden-brown crust on top sits on a white plate with light ridges along the edge. The top layer shows a slightly crispy texture with dark blueberries embedded, powdered sugar dusted over it, and fresh blueberries and a small green mint leaf on top. Warm syrup is being poured from a metal pitcher, flowing over the front side and pooling on the plate below. The background features blurred bacon pieces and a bowl filled with fresh blueberries on a white marbled surface. 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

I’ve made a lot of breakfast casseroles, but this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe stands out because it’s super hands-off and packed full of flavor. The night-before prep means mornings are relaxed, yet you still get that fresh-from-the-oven joy without waking everyone too early.

Make-ahead Magic: Prepare it the night before and refrigerate—perfect for stress-free mornings.
Fresh and Fruity: The combination of juicy blueberries and bright lemon zest gives it a fresh pop that wakes up your taste buds.
Custardy Texture: The egg and milk soak creates that soft, creamy interior we all love about French toast.
Perfect for a Crowd: It serves 8, making it ideal for brunch parties, holiday mornings, or just feeding a hungry family.

The dish shows a white bowl with a serving of bread pudding made of golden, soft, and slightly crispy bread pieces mixed with dark purple blueberries scattered inside and on top. The surface of the pudding is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar and topped with fresh blueberries and a small green mint leaf. A silver fork holds a piece of the pudding, revealing the soft, moist inside with embedded blueberries. Behind the pudding, there are two crispy, browned strips of bacon resting against the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating a harmonious balance of flavor and texture. Plus, some simple tips help ensure your casserole turns out perfect.

Flat lay of fresh golden brioche bread cut into cubes, a handful of plump fresh blueberries, a small pile of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar, eight large clean whole brown eggs, a small white bowl of creamy whole milk, a small white bowl holding melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine salt crystals arranged in a small white ceramic dish, 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: Its buttery, soft crumb soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart.
Blueberries (fresh or frozen): They add sweetness and tartness; I love frozen for convenience, and they hold up well when baked.
Lemon zest: This brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness with a fresh citrus note.
Light brown sugar: Offers a subtle molasses flavor and caramelizes nicely during baking.
Eggs: The base of the custard, they provide structure and richness.
Whole milk: Combined with eggs, it creates that creamy custard soaking into the bread.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds richness and a lovely golden crust on top.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warm sweetness that complements both berries and custard.
Pinch of salt: Balances flavors and intensifies sweetness.

📝

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

I love tweaking this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe depending on the season or who I’m serving it to. It’s so easy to swap in your favorite berries or add a crunchy topping that makes it your own.

Berry Swap: I’ve tried raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries instead of blueberries, and each gives the casserole a unique twist that’s just as delicious.
Nuts or Streusel: Adding chopped pecans or a crumbly streusel topping before baking adds texture and makes the dish feel extra special.
Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter or dairy-free version, try swapping whole milk for almond or oat milk—you’ll want to check your custard sets properly if you do.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread

First things first, I give a 9x13-inch baking pan a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. Then slice your brioche into 1-inch cubes—serrated knives make this easier and keep the bread from squashing. I layer half the bread cubes, sprinkle half the blueberries, then repeat for a perfect berry distribution.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Brown Sugar Custard

Using your fingertips, I like to really rub the lemon zest into the brown sugar until you can smell that zesty aroma—this step wakes up the sugar and brings out amazing flavor. Then whisk in the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Pour that custard mixture slowly and evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Cover with foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This soak time lets the bread absorb all that creamy custard goodness—don’t skip it!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it warm up a bit while the oven heats. Bake covered for 45 minutes so it steams gently, then uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and puffed, and the center is set. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving. You could hardly ask for an easier, more crowd-pleasing breakfast!

Top Tip

From my experience, this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe shines brightest when you give the custard plenty of time to soak in. Rushing this step is the biggest rookie mistake I see, and trust me, it makes a difference.

Even Cubes: Cut the brioche into even 1-inch cubes so they soak at the same rate and bake evenly.
Lemon Zest Magic: Don’t skimp on zesting the lemon into the brown sugar—you’ll be surprised how much it lifts the flavor.
Patience Is Key: Chill the casserole for at least 4 hours or overnight for a perfectly custardy center.
Bake Covered First: Baking covered traps steam so the casserole cooks through gently without drying out.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar topped with a handful of fresh blueberries. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for added crunch. If you like a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of warm maple syrup is always the crowd favorite.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crisp bacon or sausage links for a savory counterpoint. For a lighter side, fresh fruit salad or a citrusy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, serve the casserole in mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins. Add edible flowers or mint sprigs for a pretty, festive look. Layering the blueberries on top with a swirl of whipped cream also makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole holds its custardy texture well, just cover it tightly to avoid drying out.

Freezing

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole freezes wonderfully. I bake it fully first, then slice and freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil—makes busy mornings a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly. For best texture, avoid reheating too long to keep the custard creamy without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal because of its rich texture and flavor, you can substitute challah, Texas toast, or even a sturdy sourdough. The key is to use bread that soaks well without becoming mushy.

Do I have to thaw frozen blueberries before using?

No need to thaw frozen blueberries before adding them to the casserole. Using them frozen helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery while baking. Just sprinkle them directly on top of the bread layers.

Can I prepare this casserole the morning of serving?

It’s best if you prepare the casserole at least 4 hours ahead, ideally overnight, to give the bread time to soak in the custard. If pressed for time, 4 hours in the fridge works, but the texture improves with longer soaking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The oven is your best bet for reheating leftovers to retain the custardy texture. Reheat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Microwave is faster but can sometimes dry it out, so keep an eye on it.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate and always brings a smile to the table. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a reliable and delicious way to start the day on a sweet note. Go ahead and try it—you’ll be so glad you did, and trust me, it might become one of your favorite breakfast traditions too!