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Cozy Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole - featured image
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A warm and comforting breakfast casserole featuring thick-cut brioche soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, layered with cream cheese and juicy blueberries. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend morning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups thick-cut brioche or challah, cubed (stale bread works best)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the dish)
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, toasted almonds

Instructions

  1. Cube the thick-cut brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces. Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes about ½ inch.
  2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
  3. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Distribute half the cream cheese cubes and blueberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread, cream cheese, and blueberries on top, layering gently.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the bread layers, pressing down lightly with a spatula to help the bread soak up the mixture.
  6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (optional but recommended).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap, cover casserole loosely with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp and the center is set but still soft.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with optional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or toasted almonds.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture. Letting the casserole rest overnight improves flavor and custard absorption. Avoid pressing too hard on the custard to keep cream cheese pockets intact. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: blueberry, cream cheese, french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch, easy breakfast, make-ahead, comfort food

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/cozy-blueberry-cream-cheese-french-toast-casserole-easy-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/