Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free bread and use almond flour in the streusel topping. The overnight soaking helps gluten-free bread achieve a better texture, resulting in a casserole nearly indistinguishable from the traditional version.

What if I don't have 8 hours to let it soak?

While overnight soaking produces optimal results, a minimum 4-hour soak can work in a pinch. To speed absorption, warm the milk slightly (not hot) before mixing the custard and cut the bread into smaller pieces.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes! Use 2½ cups of frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them first. Tossing frozen berries in 1 tablespoon of flour before adding them helps prevent color bleeding throughout the casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the center reaches 160°F, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean without wet custard. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.

Can I prepare components of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! The streusel can be made up to a week ahead and refrigerated. The entire casserole can be assembled without the topping and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe easily scales up for larger gatherings. Double the ingredients and use a deep 11x15-inch baking dish, increasing the baking time by 15-20 minutes.

What can I serve with this for a complete brunch?

Create a balanced brunch by pairing this sweet casserole with savory options like a vegetable frittata, crispy bacon, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Fresh fruit and a selection of juices complete the spread.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole How to Perfect This Delicious Dish

Name: Blueberry French Toast Casserole How to Perfect This Delicious Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 9 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (16 oz) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups fresh blueberries (or 2½ cups frozen, unthawed); 8 large eggs; 2½ cups whole milk; ⅔ cup pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Description

Master the ultimate Blueberry French Toast Casserole with our easy overnight recipe. Juicy berries, crisp streusel topping, and make-ahead convenience for perfect family brunches.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 loaf (16 oz) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups fresh blueberries (or 2½ cups frozen, unthawed)
8 large eggs
2½ cups whole milk
⅔ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Spread half the bread cubes in the prepared dish. Scatter 1 cup of blueberries over the bread, then top with remaining bread and blueberries.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press down gently with a spatula to help absorption.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Add cold butter cubes and work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in chopped pecans if using. Refrigerate until ready to use.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until puffed, golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use day-old bread that’s slightly dried out. If using fresh bread, cube it and leave out for several hours or lightly toast in the oven.
The casserole can be fully assembled (without the streusel topping) and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen in individual portions for up to 2 months.
For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk for whole milk and coconut oil for butter.
To reduce sugar content, decrease maple syrup to ½ cup and add a mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness.
The casserole is done when the center reaches 160°F and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 8 hours or overnight for soaking)
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
Calories: 425 calories
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: blueberry breakfast casserole, overnight french toast, blueberry brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast