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 unbelievably cozy about waking up to a warm, fruity breakfast that practically makes itself. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—bursting with juicy blueberries and a whisper of lemon zest, it’s a total game changer for your weekend brunch or holiday mornings.

A thick square piece of bread pudding with visible blueberries inside, topped with fresh blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Golden syrup is being poured from a small metal pitcher onto the top of the bread pudding, creating a shiny drizzle running down the side and pooling on the white plate below. In the blurry background, there is a white bowl filled with blueberries and some crispy bacon pieces placed on the 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

This blueberry French toast casserole has become one of my trusted favorites whenever I want a fuss-free breakfast that delivers big on flavor and comfort. It’s not just about the taste—the whole prep-and-bake process feels manageable and even fun, making it an ideal go-to for feeding your family or a crowd without stress.

Overnight prep: You can assemble it the night before, so mornings are less hectic and you wake up to a casserole that's ready to bake.
Bursting with flavor: Fresh or frozen blueberries and a hint of lemon zest make every bite pop with brightness and sweetness.
Custardy, not soggy: The slow baking allows the eggs and milk to create the perfect French toast custard without turning mushy.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need a dozen fancy items; just pantry basics and fresh fruit deliver that wow factor.

A white bowl holds three layers: at the bottom, there is a golden-brown baked bread pudding with soft, fluffy texture and embedded dark purple blueberries. On top of this is a scattering of fresh, round blueberries with a light dusting of powdered sugar giving a soft white contrast. Garnishing the top is a small sprig of green mint. Behind the bread pudding are two strips of crispy golden-brown bacon. A silver fork rests in the bowl, lifting a piece of bread pudding that shows a juicy, purple blueberry filling inside. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe. Each plays a role in building those layers of flavor and texture that come alive when baked.

Flat lay of a thick loaf of brioche bread cut into cubes arranged neatly, a handful of fresh plump blueberries scattered nearby, a small mound of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar, eight whole large eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear vanilla extract, and a small pinch of coarse salt delicately placed on the side, all symmetrically arranged 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: This bread’s rich, buttery crumb soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Blueberries: Whether fresh or frozen, they burst with juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tender baked bread.
Lemon zest: Adds bright, fresh notes that cut through the richness and keep things lively.
Light brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel-like sweetness that complements the fruit and custard.
Large eggs: The backbone of the custard, setting the structure and richness.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess that makes the baked custard soft and luscious.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and that subtle buttery flavor without overpowering.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the custard mixture.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.

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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

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is wonderfully versatile. I like to tweak the fruit or spices sometimes, depending on the season or what’s in my fridge, and it almost always turns out delicious.

Variation: Once, I swapped blueberries for a mix of fresh raspberries and sliced strawberries, and it gave the casserole a lovely tangy twist that my family adored.
Dairy-free tweak: You can substitute almond or oat milk and vegan butter to make this dairy-free—just be sure to whisk thoroughly for the custard to set well.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the egg mixture gives a warm, cozy note that I often lean into during cooler months.

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

Step 1: Prepare the bread and berries

I start by cubing the brioche bread into roughly 1-inch pieces using a sharp serrated knife to keep the cuts clean. Then I layer half the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9x13-inch pan and sprinkle half the blueberries on top. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries, making sure the fruit is well distributed. This layering helps each bite be balanced between bread and berry.

Step 2: Mix the lemon sugar and custard

Next, I rub the lemon zest into the brown sugar with my fingertips until fragrant. This little step releases oils that truly lift the flavor. Then I whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and the lemon-sugar blend until smooth. Pour this custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries—take your time here so every piece gets soaked.

Step 3: Chill and bake

I cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is best if you can plan ahead. When it’s baking day, I bring the casserole to room temperature while heating the oven to 350°F. Baking covered for 45 minutes allows the custard to set, then uncovering it for an extra 10-15 minutes helps develop a slight golden crust without drying it out.

Top Tip

After making this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few little tips that really help turn it out perfectly every time.

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale brioche absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy, so if possible, let your bread sit out a day.
Don’t Thaw Frozen Blueberries: Toss them right in frozen to prevent them from bleeding too much color and making the casserole watery.
Overnight Soak is Key: The longer you let it sit, up to 12 hours, the more the custard flavors meld and soak into the bread, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
Watch the Bake Time: If you bake too long uncovered, the edges can get dry—10-15 minutes uncovered after the initial bake is plenty for a golden finish.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

blueberry french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Fresh blueberries on top make it look pretty and add extra bursts of freshness. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt makes it feel a bit more indulgent.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve it alongside crispy breakfast sausages or thick-cut bacon. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs surprisingly well if you want a lighter contrast. And, of course, freshly brewed coffee or a fruity mimosa always hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins—makes it feel special and lets everyone customize toppings. Another fun idea is layering a bit of cream cheese between bread layers for a luscious surprise. Toasting the edges lightly before baking gives a subtle crunch that guests love too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to let the casserole cool completely before covering and refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this casserole before, wrapped tightly in foil and stored in freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake again briefly to reheat—it still tastes fantastic, just a touch less crisp on top.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I usually heat individual slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. This brings back the warm custardy softness while keeping the top from getting too soggy like the microwave might do.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other breads besides brioche in the Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery texture, you can substitute challah, French bread, or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh, so it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

Do I have to thaw frozen blueberries before adding them to the casserole?

No need to thaw frozen blueberries; adding them frozen helps prevent your casserole from getting watery or blue-colored. They’ll naturally thaw during baking and keep their shape nicely.

Can I prepare the Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe on the same day I bake it?

Yes! While overnight soaking enhances the flavor and texture, you can prepare and bake it on the same day if you’re short on time – just allow at least 4 hours in the fridge for the custard to soak into the bread.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes uncovered works best. It keeps the custard creamy and revives the top’s slight crispness, whereas microwaving can make it rubbery or soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe has fast become one of my most-loved breakfasts to make ahead when I want something that feels homemade but saves me time in the morning. It's cozy, easy, and full of those fresh fruity notes that make each bite delightful. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this one in your breakfast rotation. So treat yourself, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the kind of morning that makes you smile all day.