Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is like a cozy hug in a dish, perfectly blending the sweetness of ripe blueberries with the creamy goodness of cream cheese. Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning to the warm scent of cinnamon wafting through your home, as you prepare this delightful breakfast that promises to be both comforting and indulgent. sweet rolls for breakfast.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- How to Make Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What is the best bread to use for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?
- Can I make Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
- How do I store leftovers of Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?
- Can I substitute blueberries with other fruits in this casserole?
- Conclusion for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole :
- 📖 Recipe Card
This casserole is not just for Sunday brunch; it’s also an ideal dish for special occasions like Mother’s Day or any family gathering. The excitement builds as you anticipate the first bite—the crispy edges giving way to a soft, luscious interior bursting with juicy blueberries, all wrapped in a rich custard that will have you dreaming of breakfast all day long.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole offers effortless preparation, making busy mornings enjoyable.
- The flavor profile pairs sweet fruit and creamy cheese, creating a perfect balance.
- Its visual appeal turns any brunch table into a stunning display of colors and textures.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—from family breakfasts to festive gatherings.
Ingredients for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Day-old Bread: You can use brioche or challah for that perfect texture; slightly stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Fresh Blueberries: Opt for plump, juicy berries; they add natural sweetness and vibrant color to your casserole.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for richness; ensure it’s softened so it blends smoothly into the batter.
- Eggs: The foundation of your custard; large eggs help bind everything together and add fluffiness.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture, but feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk if you prefer.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that adds warmth and depth; don’t skip it unless you’re allergic—then just sprinkle in some nutmeg instead!
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup enhances the overall flavor; drizzle generously over each serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a baking dish—9×13 inches works best—and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bread
Cut the day-old bread into cubes about one inch in size. Toss them into your greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly like you’re laying down the foundation of a cozy bread castle.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and a splash of milk until smooth. This should resemble a creamy cloud ready to blanket your bread cubes lovingly.
Step 4: Mix Your Custard
In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup until well combined. Pour this heavenly mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold in fresh blueberries as if you’re tucking them into bed.
Step 5: Assemble and Soak
Spread out the mixture evenly in your baking dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes—this allows every bit of bread to soak up that scrumptious custard.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Remove the wrap and pop your casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the middle. When it’s done, let it cool slightly before slicing.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch. You might want to consider doubling this recipe because trust me—everyone will want seconds!
You Must Know
- This Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole isn’t just a morning treat; it’s a celebration on your breakfast table.
- Imagine the vibrant blue of fresh blueberries against the creamy, dreamy cheese.
- It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from brunch with friends to a cozy family gathering.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping the casserole the night before to let those flavors mingle. The next morning, bake it while you brew your coffee. Enjoy that heavenly aroma wafting through your home as it cooks to golden perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out blueberries for strawberries or bananas if you’re in the mood for something fruity. You can also sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick of warmth and flavor, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to indulge again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use stale bread for better texture; it absorbs the custard beautifully without getting soggy.
- Letting the casserole sit overnight enhances its flavor—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Don’t skip the cream cheese swirl; it’s what makes this dish irresistible.
Sometimes I whip this up on lazy weekends and watch my kids’ eyes light up when they see it baking in the oven. Their happy faces are truly priceless and make all the effort worthwhile!
FAQs :
What is the best bread to use for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?
Using a thick, hearty bread like brioche or challah works best for this casserole. These types of bread absorb the custard mixture well while maintaining their structure during baking. Avoid using regular sandwich bread, as it may become too soggy. Day-old bread is perfect for this recipe, as it is slightly drier and will soak up the flavors of the blueberries and cream cheese beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this vanilla custard cream bars recipe.
Can I make Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole the night before. Simply assemble all the ingredients in a baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the oven and bake until golden brown. perfect side for brunch gatherings This makes it a fantastic option for brunch gatherings or busy mornings, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal effort.
How do I store leftovers of Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?
To store leftover Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm up the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This way, you can enjoy this delightful dish even after it’s initially served.
Can I substitute blueberries with other fruits in this casserole?
Yes! While blueberries pair wonderfully with cream cheese in this casserole, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Raspberries, strawberries, or even diced peaches work beautifully as alternatives. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the overall sweetness and flavor profile slightly. Adjusting sugar levels based on your chosen fruit is also a good idea to maintain balance in taste.
Conclusion for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole :
In summary, Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is an inviting dish perfect for any brunch occasion. Its combination of rich cream cheese and juicy blueberries creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love. Preparing this casserole ahead of time makes serving easy and stress-free. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated as leftovers, this recipe promises satisfaction for all breakfast lovers. Enjoy every delicious bite! For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe recipe.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat that combines the sweetness of ripe blueberries with creamy, rich cream cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, filling your home with the warm scent of cinnamon and baked goodness. With its golden crust and luscious custard soaked bread, every bite is a comforting experience. Serve it drizzled with maple syrup for an indulgent start to your day!
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese with a splash of milk until smooth. Layer over the bread.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and maple syrup in another bowl; pour over the bread and gently fold in blueberries.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
