Description

A make-ahead breakfast casserole combining day-old French bread, cream cheese, and juicy blueberries baked into a golden, custardy dish. This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy weekend mornings and features a rich, creamy texture with bursts of fresh blueberry flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 loaves day-old French bread, cubed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (whole milk preferred)
2 tablespoons vanilla extract (divided)
2 cups milk
8 large eggs
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups blueberries (divided, fresh or frozen)

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Instructions

Prepare the cream cheese mixture by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
Fold in 1 cup of blueberries.
Layer half of the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer.
Top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups milk, 8 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers, pressing gently to ensure all cubes are soaked.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries on top.
Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (8 hours or more).
The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge 30–60 minutes before baking.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 30 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Notes

You can substitute challah or brioche for the French bread.

Frozen blueberries can be used straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

For freezing, wrap tightly and store unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or substitute the cream cheese with ricotta.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 7 hours
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Category: Breakfast / Brunch
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American