Name: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-491068H49M32S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche or challah sliced into 1-inch cubes; 2 6 oz. half pints blueberries (12 ounces total); 2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened (16 ounces total); 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 eggs at room temperature; 2 cups half and half at room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Blueberry sauce; Berry syrup like boysenberry (store-bought is great); Maple syrup; Strawberry syrup

There’s something about the comforting blend of tangy cream cheese and juicy blueberries nestled in soft, toasted brioche that makes mornings feel extra special. This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe has quickly become my go-to weekend treat—it’s like breakfast and dessert rolled into one cozy bake.

A white baking dish filled with a baked dessert made of large, golden-brown cubes of soft bread layered with small, round, dark blueberries evenly scattered throughout. The bread cubes have a slightly toasted and shiny surface indicating a baked custard soaked texture, creating a mix of smooth and crunchy looks. A gold-colored serving spoon is lifting a portion of the dessert from the dish, showing the thick, moist texture of the bread and the juicy blueberries. The dish is set 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 Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t say enough about how this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe brings simple ingredients together into something truly indulgent and effortless. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, ideal for treating family or impressing guests without fuss.

Overnight Convenience: You assemble it the night before and wake up to a dreamy breakfast ready to bake.
Flavor Balance: The cream cheese adds a luscious tang that perfectly complements the sweet blueberries.
Versatile Toppings: Whether you love maple syrup, berry sauce, or something homemade like blueberry sauce, it pairs beautifully with all.
Easy to Customize: You can swap out the bread or berries or add nuts for crunch—making it your own cozy version.

On a white plate with a white marbled background, there is a single square piece of yellow cake with a soft, moist texture. The cake is topped with a thick layer of shiny, dark purple blueberries, some whole and some in a syrupy sauce that drips over the sides. There is also a golden spoon on the right side of the plate holding a portion of the cake and blueberries, adding a touch of brightness to the dish. The contrast between the yellow cake and dark blueberry topping creates a rich and appetizing look photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a special role. The rich cream cheese custard infuses the toasted brioche, while fresh or frozen blueberries add bursts of juicy flavor. Knowing why can help you shop smart and tweak the recipe if needed.

Flat lay of a loaf of brioche sliced into rustic cubes, two small white ceramic bowls filled with fresh plump blueberries, two blocks of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, six whole uncracked brown eggs arranged in a neat line, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half, another small white ceramic bowl holding golden lemon juice alongside a few thin strips of fresh lemon zest, a tiny white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, all placed with perfect symmetry 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 or Challah Bread: Their buttery texture soaks up the custard without turning mushy, giving the casserole a soft yet structured bite.
Blueberries: I use fresh when in season, but frozen works perfectly too—just brush off any frost to avoid watery spots.
Cream Cheese: Adds creamy tanginess that elevates this beyond ordinary French toast.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard gently, balancing the tart cream cheese and lemon.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness—make sure they’re room temperature for smooth custard.
Half and Half: Creates a rich, silky custard base without being too heavy.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm aromatic notes that meld all flavors beautifully.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the custard and pairs perfectly with the blueberries.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the 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

I love how flexible this recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different breads and even swapped blueberries for mixed berries or peaches in summer. Don’t be shy—make this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe your own!

Go Nutty: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking brings delightful crunch and nuttiness.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use a plant-based cream cheese and milk alternative to suit dairy-sensitive diets. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Berry Swap: Mixed berries or raspberries work well—I’ve made it with frozen mixed berries when blueberries were scarce, and it was just as tasty.
Make It Mini: Use a muffin tin and layer ingredients for portable, single servings—perfect for brunch gatherings.

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

Step 1: Toast Your Bread Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread your brioche or challah cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes. You're looking for a lovely toasted exterior but a soft center. This step is crucial—I’ve found that toasting prevents sogginess and gives you that perfect texture contrast in your casserole.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Custard

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until completely smooth. Adding room temperature eggs one at a time helps prevent lumps and ensures a creamy custard. Next, pour in the half and half, vanilla, lemon juice, zest, and salt, mixing until combined. Pro tip: If you notice little flecks of cream cheese, don’t stress! They’ll melt during baking.

Step 3: Assemble Your Layers

Grab a greased 9x13 dish and layer half your toasted bread cubes evenly. Scatter half the blueberries on top, then pour over half the custard. Repeat with the remaining bread, berries, and custard. Don’t be shy about pressing down gently to submerge the bread—it helps the custard soak in deeply. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight for best results.

Step 4: Bake Your Make-Ahead Magic

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and let the casserole come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15–25 minutes until a knife inserted comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden. The smell at this stage is heavenly—trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste!

Top Tip

After making this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe multiple times, a few tips really stand out to help you get that perfect texture and flavor every time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always let your cream cheese, eggs, and half and half come to room temp for a smooth custard without lumps.
Don’t Overtoast the Bread: Toast just enough to keep the cubes firm without drying them out, so they soak up the custard beautifully.
Be Gentle When Pressing: Press the bread carefully into the custard; this ensures creamy pockets without squashing the texture.
Blueberries Fresh or Frozen: No need to thaw frozen berries first; just brush off any ice and layer as is to avoid excess moisture.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

blueberry french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always grab a homemade blueberry sauce when I serve this casserole. The warm sauce pools delightfully over each slice and amplifies those fresh fruit flavors. Sometimes I sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Maple syrup is a classic that never fails, but that luscious berry syrup really takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands out on its own, but I’ve enjoyed pairing it with crispy breakfast sausages or crispy bacon for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad adds a refreshing touch to round out the meal. For something heartier, a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and a tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday brunches or holidays, I sometimes bake the casserole in decorative ramekins or individual cast iron skillets—everyone feels like they’re at a fancy hotel breakfast. Another fun twist is layering with a streusel crumb topping for crunch. It’s also great served buffet-style with various syrups and toppings set out so guests can customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover the leftover casserole with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to five days—perfect for easy weekday breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole after baking a few times. Just wrap it well in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up. The texture remains creamy and delicious, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Reheating

For quick heat-ups, I pop individual slices into the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds. To revive the crispy top, I reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Doing this keeps that freshly baked feel intact!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe without letting it soak overnight?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can assemble it and bake immediately after letting the custard soak into the bread for 30-60 minutes at room temperature. The texture won’t be quite as fluffy, but it’ll still be delicious.

What type of bread is best for this casserole?

Brioche or challah are best because they’re soft yet sturdy enough to soak in the custard without falling apart. If you can only find sliced brioche from the bread aisle, that works too—just toast carefully so it doesn't dry out.

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Yes! I always use frozen when fresh are out of season. Just brush off any frost before layering to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the texture fresh and delicious. For long-term, you can freeze and thaw overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe feels like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion, it’s reliably delicious, easy to prepare ahead, and endlessly comforting. I bet once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving those tender, tangy bites early Saturdays too—enjoy every luscious spoonful!