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 undeniably cozy about waking up to a warm, fruit-studded breakfast like this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s got that perfect blend of fluffy custard-soaked bread and bursts of juicy blueberries that make weekend mornings feel special without any fuss.

A thick square piece of golden-brown baked bread pudding filled with dark purple blueberries sits on a white plate. On top, there are fresh blueberries and small green mint leaves, dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. A woman’s hand pours amber-colored syrup over the top, which glistens and drips down the sides. To the side, crispy reddish-brown bacon strips peek out slightly, and a bowl of fresh blueberries with a green mint garnish is blurred in the background 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

Whenever I make this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe, I’m reminded why it’s quickly become a staple for holidays and lazy Sundays alike. It’s your take-any-day brunch magic that feels elegant but is unbelievably simple.

Hands-Off Prep: You assemble it the night before—just pop it in the fridge and bake when you wake up.
Fresh Blueberry Burst: The fresh or frozen blueberries add moist, tart pops throughout each bite.
Custardy Goodness: The rich egg and milk mixture soaks right into the brioche, making every slice indulgent and soft.
Easy Crowd-Pleaser: It scales up beautifully and makes mornings hassle-free for guests.

The image shows a white bowl with two strips of crispy bacon resting at the back. In front, there is a thick slice of light golden brown baked bread pudding with visible blueberries inside. The top of the pudding is sprinkled with powdered sugar and fresh blueberries scattered on it. A small green mint leaf sits on top as garnish. A silver fork is holding a bite-sized piece of the pudding, showing its soft and moist interior with dark purple blueberry spots. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a starring role, from buttery brioche to the fresh zing of lemon zest.

Flat lay of a stack of golden brioche bread 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 whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted and cooled unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine salt crystals placed neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 tender crumb and slight sweetness soak up the custard perfectly without getting mushy.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they bring natural juiciness and a pop of color—no need to thaw frozen ones, which keeps them from bleeding too much.
Lemon zest: A little zing that brightens the overall flavor and complements the sweetness of the berries.
Light brown sugar: Adds depth and subtle caramel notes to the custard.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, delivering that rich, silky texture.
Whole milk: Balances out the eggs with creaminess without being overly heavy.
Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled to mix smoothly—gives richness and helps with browning.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors in the casserole.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to round out sweetness and boost other flavors.

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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

One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to personalize. I often swap in different berries or add a sprinkle of cinnamon, but it’s really about making it your own kind of cozy morning.

Berry Swap: I love using a mix of raspberries and blackberries in place of blueberries sometimes, giving it a deeper berry flavor that’s still wonderfully fresh.
Nutty Upgrade: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a great crunch contrast.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative to keep it creamy but allergy-friendly.
Citrus Twist: Orange zest works beautifully instead of lemon if you want a sweeter citrus note.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Blueberries

Start by spraying your baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks later. Then, slice your brioche into inch-sized cubes—don’t rush here; using a serrated knife makes it clean and easy. Layer half of your bread cubes evenly in the pan, then scatter half the blueberries over them. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries, so blueberry goodness is evenly spread throughout.

Step 2: Mix the Custard Base

In a large bowl, sprinkle the lemon zest over the brown sugar, rubbing them together with your fingers to release those fragrant oils—this little trick totally uplifts the flavor. Then whisk in the eggs, milk, cooled melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until the custard is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Slowly pour the custard mixture over your layered bread and blueberries, making sure everything gets a nice soak. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can—this soaking time is what makes it so lush and custardy.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and let the casserole sit out while it warms up—that helps the bake cook evenly. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes more or until it’s puffed, golden on top, and the center feels set. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Blueberry French Toast Casserole is perfect fresh from the oven, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar. I like to keep it simple so the fresh flavors really shine.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole a dozen times now, and a few tweaks really made a difference in perfecting it. These simple hacks will save you time and elevate the flavor.

Don’t Skip the Soak Time: I once tried baking it right after assembling—big mistake! The custard needs at least 4 hours to soak for that custardy texture.
Use Thick-Cut Brioche: Thin slices can get soggy and fall apart, but thick cubes hold their structure beautifully.
Add Lemon Zest to Brown Sugar: Rubbing them together releases flavor oils that make the whole dish pop with fresh brightness.
Cover With Foil While Baking: Keeps moisture in so the casserole stays rich and soft instead of drying out before the top crisps.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

blueberry french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous pour of maple syrup right before digging in. Fresh mint leaves also make a pretty, fragrant touch if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

For a complete breakfast, I often serve this casserole with crispy bacon or a side of fresh fruit salad—both balance sweet and savory beautifully. If you want something lighter, Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey pairs nicely too.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting brunch, I’ll bake this casserole in smaller individual ramekins for personal servings—it looks charming and guests love the cozy touch. You can also sprinkle toasted almonds or coconut flakes on top for extra texture and a beautiful finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the casserole holds its flavor well but loses some of the fresh blueberry pop, so I like to add fresh blueberries on top when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole after baking by cutting it into portions and wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for prepping ahead for busy mornings.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, to warm through without drying out. A quick 10-15 minutes usually works, and fresh maple syrup helps bring back some moisture and sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blueberries for this casserole?

Yes! You can use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer without thawing. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. Just distribute them evenly with the bread layers before soaking.

Can I substitute the brioche with another type of bread?

Brioche is ideal because of its rich, buttery texture, but you can use challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread. Avoid dense or super crusty breads—they won't soak up the custard as nicely.

How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?

You can refrigerate the assembled casserole, covered tightly with foil, for up to 12 hours. I usually prepare it the night before for a convenient breakfast ready to bake in the morning.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make a dairy-free version, swap whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a plant-based butter substitute. For a vegan version, you’d need to experiment with egg replacers; however, texture will differ from the classic custard feel.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to for when I want a breakfast that feels special without a ton of stress. It’s that perfect balance between fuss-free prep and impressive flavor, and I honestly love sharing it with friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a delicious way to make mornings a little brighter and cozier.