Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 8, 2025

Featured in: Breakfast

Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole brings a delightful twist to classic breakfast favorites, combining the creamy richness of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries. This layered casserole is perfect for making ahead, allowing the bread to soak up the flavorful custard overnight for a moist, tender bite each morning.

Prepared in a large baking dish, this recipe balances textures and flavors beautifully, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg to add warmth. It’s ideal for family brunches or special occasions when you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish ready to pop in the oven early in the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich cream cheese layers add a luscious texture contrasted by juicy fresh blueberries.
Designed to be prepared the night before, making morning meal prep effortless.
Balanced spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the sweet blueberry flavor.
Uses day-old French bread which soaks up custard perfectly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries add juicy bursts of sweetness and a beautiful color contrast.
Cream cheese (8 oz): Softened cream cheese acts as a creamy, tangy layer, boosting richness and flavor.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Adds smooth sweetness to the cream cheese mixture, blending effortlessly.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Provides warm aromatic notes, split evenly between mixtures for balanced flavor.
Whole milk (2 cups + 2 tbsp): Whole milk enriches both the custard and cream cheese mixture for a creamy texture.
French bread (2 loaves): Cubed, day-old French bread absorbs custard perfectly while keeping structure.
Eggs (8 large): The custard base that binds the casserole, offering richness and a fluffy texture.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and depth to the egg custard, complementing the blueberries.
Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle spiced notes enhancing the overall flavor complexity.

Instructions

Make Cream Cheese Mixture: Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy, then gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries to distribute them evenly, adding bursts of flavor throughout this layer.
Layer Bread and Cream Cheese: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, spread half of the cubed French bread evenly to create a base layer. Carefully spread the cream cheese and blueberry mixture over the bread, then top with the remaining bread cubes for an even top layer, ensuring a structured casserole.
Prepare Egg Custard: Whisk together eggs, 2 cups of milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This custard infuses the bread with flavor and moisture, creating the foundation for a tender, rich casserole.
Assemble and Refrigerate Overnight: Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, pressing gently to soak all cubes thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup blueberries on top, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb the custard.
Preheat Oven and Prepare to Bake: About 30 to 60 minutes before baking, remove the casserole from the fridge to come toward room temperature. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even bake that sets the custard gently without drying.
Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes to allow the custard to set and prevent the top from browning too quickly. This step locks in moisture for a creamy texture throughout.
Bake Uncovered Until Golden: Remove the foil and continue baking for approximately 30 more minutes until the center is fully set and the top becomes golden brown. This final bake crisps the top slightly, providing appealing texture contrast.
Cool and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This rest allows the custard to firm up even more, making it easier to cut and enjoy creamy, flavorful bites.

You Must Know

Using day-old French bread is crucial for absorbing the custard without becoming overly mushy.
Make sure to refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight for best flavor infusion and texture.
If you don’t have fresh blueberries, frozen can be used but may add extra moisture.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through, preserving the creaminess and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. Fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side complements this casserole beautifully for a full breakfast experience.

Professional Tips

Allowing the casserole to sit at room temperature before baking helps prevent cracking by reducing temperature shock.
Use whole milk or cream in the custard for a richer, custard-like texture.
Gently fold the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture to avoid breaking the berries and releasing too much juice.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than French bread?: Yes, sturdy breads like challah or brioche work well, but avoid very soft or fresh bread as it won’t soak properly.
Is it possible to prepare the casserole in the morning instead of overnight?: You can, but the flavors won’t meld as deeply and the bread may not absorb as much custard, affecting texture.
Can I substitute the cream cheese mixture?: You could swap for mascarpone or ricotta with some powdered sugar, but cream cheese gives the best tang and creaminess.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and plant-based milk, keeping in mind texture and flavor differences.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, wrap portions well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
What is the best way to serve this dish?: Warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar to complement the creamy and fruity flavors.