Introduction

This Delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch treat. With layers of creamy cheese, juicy blueberries, and custardy bread, it’s both comforting and elegant. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a warm, flavorful start to your day.

A close-up of a thick slice of bread pudding on a white plate, showing three main layers: the top layer is golden brown and slightly crispy bread cubes, the middle layer is a creamy and soft custard mixed with blueberries, and the top is covered with glossy, dark purple blueberry sauce with whole blueberries. Some sauce drips down the sides, pooling on the plate, with a single blueberry resting on the plate's edge. The background uses a white marbled texture, softly blurred with a white cup and glass visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large loaf French bread, about 8 cups (day old is best)
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups half and half
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries tossed in 1 tablespoon of flour
18 oz package cream cheese, cubed
1/4 cup raw sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

For the Sauce:

1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups blueberries

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cut the French bread into cubes and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to combine.
Step 5: Dollop cream cheese cubes and blueberries on top, then press down slightly to incorporate them into the bread mixture.
Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak.
Step 7: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, sprinkle raw sugar on top if desired, and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
Step 8: For the sauce, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until thickened.
Step 9: Add blueberries to the thickened sauce and cook until they burst, creating a fresh blueberry topping. Serve warm over the casserole.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
Try substituting cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer texture.
For extra flavor, add a splash of orange zest or a tablespoon of Grand Marnier to the custard mixture.
Frozen blueberries work well, but toss them in flour to prevent sinking and bleeding into the custard.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. The blueberry sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stove.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dessert piece on a white plate shows three visible layers. The bottom layer is a soft, light yellow sponge cake with a slightly browned edge. The middle layer consists of creamy white filling mixed with whole blueberries, some of which are bursting and mixing with the cream. The top layer is a golden-brown toasted cake surface cut into cubes, covered with a thick, glossy dark purple blueberry sauce that drips down the sides. Fresh blueberries are scattered around the dessert on the plate. The background features a soft white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the same morning I want to serve it?

While it’s possible, letting the casserole soak overnight or for at least 4 hours ensures the bread fully absorbs the custard, resulting in a creamier texture and better flavor.

Can I make this recipe without the blueberry sauce?

Yes, the casserole is delicious on its own, but the blueberry sauce adds a fresh, fruity contrast that complements the cream cheese and cinnamon flavors exceptionally well.