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Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Swirl

Two stacked slices of moist blueberry french toast casserole showing creamy filling and baked blueberries.
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Prepare this easy, make-ahead breakfast casserole the night before. You wake up to a soft, custardy bake loaded with juicy blueberries and a creamy swirl, perfect for stress-free weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (16 ounces) French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional topping: Powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the bread cubes.
  2. Make the cream cheese swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Drop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread and blueberries. Do not stir it in completely; you want distinct pockets of cream cheese.
  3. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  4. Soak the bread: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberry mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.
  5. Chill overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is key for a soft texture.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the plastic wrap. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (no liquid remains when lightly touched).
  7. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread helps the cubes hold their shape better when soaking up the custard.
  • If you use frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first; add them directly to the dish.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a streusel topping made from 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons melted butter sprinkled over the top before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/