If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try my Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole! It’s the kind of dish that makes mornings feel special without all the fuss. I remember the first time I made this for a weekend brunch with friends—it was a total hit! They couldn’t believe how easy it was to whip up. Just imagine layers of fluffy bread, rich cream cheese, and sweet, juicy blueberries all baked together to perfection. It’s like a creamy blueberry cloud in every bite! Plus, you can prepare it the night before, which is a game changer for those busy mornings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (I love using a nice French or brioche bread for that perfect texture!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Make sure it’s nice and creamy to spread easily throughout the casserole.)
- 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen (If using frozen, don’t worry; they work just as well and add a lovely burst of flavor.)
- 6 large eggs (These help bind everything together and make it so rich and custardy.)
- 2 cups milk (I usually go for whole milk, but you can use any kind you prefer!)
- 1/2 cup sugar (This sweetens things up just right, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (A must for that warm, comforting flavor.)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (This adds a lovely spice that complements the blueberries beautifully.)
- 1/4 tsp salt (Just a pinch to balance everything out!)
How to Prepare Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Getting started on this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is super easy, and I promise the results will impress everyone! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because you want the casserole to bake evenly and come out golden brown and delicious!
Next, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up well. I like to use butter or cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks. Now, spread half of your cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the dish. This will serve as the lovely base for all that creamy goodness to come.
Now comes the fun part! Dot the bread layer generously with your softened cream cheese. I like to use a spoon to scoop small dollops, making sure every bite gets a little cream cheese magic. Then, sprinkle those gorgeous blueberries all over the top—trust me, they’ll burst with flavor as they bake!
After that, add the remaining bread cubes on top, creating another layer. Now, grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture is what ties everything together, so make sure it’s well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, making sure all the bread gets soaked. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to really soak in all those flavors.
Finally, pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll be counting the minutes until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- The combination of cream cheese and blueberries creates a delightful creamy and fruity flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- This casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch, making it an ideal choice for gatherings with family and friends.
- You can prepare it the night before, so you can enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen!
- It’s versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or even add nuts for a little extra crunch!
- Every bite is a delicious blend of textures, with the soft bread and creamy filling perfectly complemented by the burst of juicy blueberries.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, using stale bread is key to preventing a soggy casserole—you can even let your bread cubes sit out overnight to dry out a bit! Also, don’t skip the soaking time; it really allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. If you want to mix things up, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the egg mixture for a bright twist.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches—just keep the same measurements! Lastly, for an extra special touch, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts or a crumb topping before baking for that delightful crunch. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your casserole to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a breeze! If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is always a win!), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well so it stays fresh and delicious!
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. For the best texture, I recommend warming it up in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the casserole with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes rubbery French toast!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers behind this delightful Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole! Each serving is packed with flavor and a good balance of nutrients to kickstart your day. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per slice:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 8g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy this deliciousness guilt-free!
FAQ About Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What kind of bread works best?
I love using brioche or challah for this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole because they add a lovely richness. However, any sturdy bread will do! Just make sure it’s not too soft, or it may get mushy.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can! Frozen blueberries work great in this recipe. Just toss them in straight from the freezer; they’ll thaw and burst with juicy flavor as the casserole bakes!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s not completely firm right out of the oven.
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! This casserole is very versatile. Feel free to mix in raspberries, strawberries, or even sliced peaches to switch things up. Just keep the same measurements, and you’ll have a delicious new twist!
Variations of Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
The beauty of this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is how easily it adapts to your taste! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the blueberries for fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist. You could even mix in some diced peaches or blackberries for a delightful summer vibe!
Feeling adventurous? Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for an aromatic kick. For a fun texture, you can sprinkle in some chopped nuts or even granola on top before baking—yum! And if you want to switch up the bread, go for a cinnamon raisin or even a chocolate croissant for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Blissful Joy
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make casserole featuring layers of bread, cream cheese, and blueberries.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish.
- Dot with cream cheese and sprinkle blueberries on top.
- Add the remaining bread cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread.
- Let it soak for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Can be prepared the night before.
- Serve with syrup or powdered sugar.
- Use any berries of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole