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

Nothing quite beats waking up to the sweet, comforting aroma of a warm, custardy bake fresh from the oven—especially when it’s bursting with tangy blueberries. This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of my favorite breakfast treats to make for family gatherings or lazy weekend mornings.

A square piece of golden brown baked French toast sits centered on a white plate with a slightly raised edge. The toast is thick and fluffy with visible dark purple blueberry pockets baked inside. On top, there's a mix of whole blueberries and small green mint leaves, dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. A shiny metal syrup pourer held by a woman's hand pours amber syrup gently over the toast, creating a drip down the front and a small puddle forming on the plate. A single fresh blueberry rests on the plate's edge. The background features a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl full of blueberries and some crispy bacon strips on a separate white plate. 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

I’ve made many French toast casseroles, but this one stands out because of its simplicity and bright blueberry flavor paired with a delicate lemon zest. It feels fancy but takes surprisingly little effort—and the results are always a crowd-pleaser.

Effortless prep: You get to assemble everything the night before, so mornings are stress-free and you can just pop it in the oven.
Fresh blueberry burst: Blueberries add natural sweetness and a pop of color that makes each bite exciting and fresh.
Creamy custard texture: The mix of eggs, milk, and butter creates a rich, tender interior that's pure comfort food.
Perfect for company: It’s easy to make in a 9x13 pan, so it’s ideal for feeding a crowd without fuss.

A white dish holds a two-layered stack of golden-brown blueberry bread pudding with soft and slightly crispy edges. The top layer is dotted with plump, dark blueberries covered with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small green mint leaf for garnish. Syrup pools around the base, adding shine and moisture. Next to the bread pudding are two crispy, reddish-brown strips of bacon. A silver fork picks up a piece of the bread pudding, showing its moist and fluffy inside speckled with juicy blueberries. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe balances sweet, tart, and rich flavors beautifully. Each ingredient plays a specific role to deliver the texture and taste you love in a French toast bake.

Flat lay of fresh cubed golden brioche bread, a handful of plump fresh blueberries, a few bright yellow lemon zest strips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar, eight whole large clean brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, and a small pinch of coarse salt placed neatly 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 buttery richness and soft crumb soak up custard wonderfully without falling apart.
Fresh or frozen blueberries: Fresh for the best flavor; frozen works great too (just don’t thaw!) to prevent sogginess.
Lemon zest: Adds a subtle brightness that keeps the sweetness from feeling heavy or one-note.
Light brown sugar: Gives a hint of molasses warmth that deepens the overall flavor.
Eggs: The base of the custard that binds everything together.
Whole milk: Creates the creamy custard; you can’t beat full-fat for richness here.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and indulgence without overwhelming saltiness.
Vanilla extract: A warm, familiar flavor that complements the lemon and blueberries beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances the 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

One of the best things about this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is! I often switch up the fruit depending on the season or what’s in my fridge, so you should definitely experiment and make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes add a handful of chopped pecans for a crunchy contrast—perfect for those who love a little texture in their breakfast bake.
Seasonal twist: Swap blueberries for sliced strawberries or peaches in summer, or use frozen mixed berries in winter for a comforting version.
Dairy-free option: Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter to fit your dietary needs.
Sweeter touch: Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard for warmth and spice without overpowering the blueberries.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Bread Cubes

I always start by spraying my 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray—that’s a small step that saves clean-up grief later. Then grab a sharp serrated knife and cut the brioche into 1-inch cubes. Using a serrated knife instead of a regular one helps keep the bread’s shape intact and not squashed.

Step 2: Layer Bread and Blueberries

Spread half of the bread cubes in the bottom of your pan, then sprinkle half the blueberries on top. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries. This layering helps the blueberries distribute evenly throughout the casserole, so every bite smells like little bursts of summer.

Step 3: Mix Lemon-Scented Custard

In a large bowl, rub the lemon zest into the brown sugar using your fingertips until the mixture is fragrant. This step really wakes up the flavors, and it’s a neat kitchen trick to release the oils in the lemon zest. Then whisk in eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and just a pinch of salt until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Soak and Refrigerate

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and blueberries, making sure it’s evenly coated. Cover the pan tightly with foil and tuck it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. I swear this step is what makes the casserole so custardy and tender—don’t skip the soaking time!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, set your oven to 350°F and let the casserole sit at room temperature while it preheats. Bake covered for 45 minutes to gently cook the custard, then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes uncovered for that golden, slightly crisp top. Look for a puffed, set center and a light golden crust.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve it warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. I love how the syrup melts into every nook and cranny, but honestly, it’s delicious even on its own.

Top Tip

This has been a reliable, cozy recipe for brunch and holidays for me, and I’ve learned a few tricks to get it just right every time. These tips will save you time and keep the casserole perfectly moist without being soggy.

Use day-old brioche: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and gives you a fluffier texture—fresh bread tends to get mushy too fast.
Don’t thaw frozen blueberries: Toss them frozen on top to avoid watery layers and maintain that lovely burst in your bites.
Cover while baking: Baking with foil on at first helps the custard set gently, preventing the edges from drying out.
Rest before serving: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes; it makes slicing easier and lets flavors bloom fully.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

blueberry French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup—it’s like a little morning celebration. Fresh mint leaves add a nice pop of green if you’re feeling fancy, and a handful of extra blueberries never hurts.

Side Dishes

For a balanced breakfast, I usually serve this with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links. A simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also complements the richness beautifully if you want something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

One time for Mother’s Day, I served individual portions in cute ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top. It felt extra special but didn’t add much work. You can also layer the casserole in clear glass dishes to showcase the pretty blueberries throughout.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find reheating slices in the oven or toaster oven keeps the texture much better than the microwave, which can get soggy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well. I like to freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want a slice, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the edges stay crisp. This keeps that freshly-baked texture, unlike microwaving which can make things rubbery or soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than brioche in this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche’s buttery texture is preferred, you can substitute challah, Texas toast, or even good-quality sandwich bread. Just avoid super soft bread like sandwich sandwich bread that won’t hold the custard well.

How long can I refrigerate the assembled casserole before baking?

You can refrigerate the casserole covered in foil for up to 12 hours. This makes it perfect to prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning without losing texture or flavor.

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work well if you don’t thaw them before adding. Tossing them frozen prevents the casserole from getting watery or soggy, keeping the texture just right.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Blueberry French Toast Casserole?

Reheating in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes keeps the casserole moist but prevents sogginess. Microwaving can sometimes make the custard rubbery or watery.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious and easy enough to make anytime. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or hosting brunch guests, it delivers classic comfort with a little fruity punch. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it just might become your new breakfast favorite, too!