Name: Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces brioche bread; 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ⅔ cup lightly packed light brown sugar; 8 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

There’s something magical about waking up to a warm, fruity breakfast that’s already waiting for you. The Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe is exactly that kind of treat — simple to prep, bursting with fresh blueberries, and perfectly custardy every time. It’s become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches.

A square slice of thick, golden-brown baked French toast sits on a white plate with rounded edges. The French toast has a soft, creamy texture inside with visible dark blueberries baked in the middle and around the top edges. On top, there is a small pile of fresh blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. A silver pitcher is pouring amber maple syrup over the top, with some syrup dripping down the side and pooling on the plate. In the background, there is a white plate slightly out of focus and a beige bowl full of more fresh blueberries sitting 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 French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. I've found it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special, yet you don’t have to be a pro baker to pull it off. Plus, it’s great for making ahead so you can savor that leisurely morning!

Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning — perfect for easy hosting or busy weekends.
Fresh Blueberry Burst: The fresh or frozen blueberries add a juicy tang that pairs beautifully with the custard-soaked brioche.
Custardy and Comforting: The egg and milk custard infuses every bite, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth french toast feel.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand already, so it’s an easy morning win without any last-minute runs to the store.

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a thick piece of golden brown bread pudding with a soft and moist inside visible at the front, showing blueberries baked inside. On top of the bread pudding, there are several fresh blueberries dusted with white powdered sugar, along with a small green mint leaf for decoration. Behind the bread pudding, two crispy, browned strips of bacon rest at an angle. A silver fork is lifting a bite-sized piece of the bread pudding from the front. The overall scene is bright and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures. Brioche bread is soft and rich, soaking up the custard beautifully, while the blueberries bring a fresh zing. Choose good-quality vanilla and real butter, and you’ll taste the difference!

Flat lay of a loaf of golden brioche bread cut into cubes, a small pile of fresh, plump blueberries, a small mound of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, eight large whole eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl with melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt crystals arranged carefully 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 bread: Its buttery, tender crumb soaks up the custard luxuriously without getting soggy.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen adds juicy pops of flavor and a natural sweetness that brightens the dish.
Lemon zest: A subtle twist of citrus cuts through the richness and elevates the flavors.
Light brown sugar: Adds a gentle caramel note and helps sweeten the casserole evenly.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, binding everything together for that creamy texture.
Whole milk: Keeps the custard rich and smooth without overpowering it.
Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled for a silky custard and added flavor depth.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and sweet aromatic notes that tie all the flavors together.
Pinch of salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the overall taste.

📝

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 tweaking this casserole depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Maybe you want it dairy-free or want to sneak in some extra berries — don’t be shy to experiment. It’s quite forgiving and always delicious.

Variation: Once, I swapped out blueberries for fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon—it was a hit with my kids who liked the sweeter twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter. The texture changes a bit, but the fruity custard base still shines.
Extra Crunch: Add a streusel topping of brown sugar and chopped nuts before baking for a delightful texture contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Berries

First, slice your brioche into 1-inch cubes using a serrated knife—that helps keep pieces uniform so everything bakes evenly. Go for thick cubes because thinner ones can get mushy. Lay half in your greased baking dish, then sprinkle half the blueberries over them. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries, spreading evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Sugar

In a large bowl, toss together the lemon zest and light brown sugar with your fingertips. This little step releases the oils from the lemon peel, filling your kitchen with a fresh, inviting scent and adding complexity to the sweetness.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

Whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and your lemon-infused sugar until smooth. This eggy custard will soak into the bread cubes, so make sure it’s well combined. Pour it slowly and evenly over the layers in your pan.

Step 4: Chill for Flavors to Meld

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This is when the magic happens—bread absorbs the custard, and flavors deepen. Patience is key here for the perfect custardy texture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Let your casserole sit at room temp while the oven heats up—that prevents a cold shock that can affect baking times. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil to let the top brown and puff up for 10–15 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden crust and a firm, custardy center, so stick a knife in to check it’s set.

Top Tip

After making this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve nailed down a few tricks to get it just right every time. These small details really elevate your breakfast game.

Use Day-Old Brioche: I swear by bread that’s a little stale rather than fresh — it soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
Don’t Thaw Frozen Blueberries: Toss the berries in frozen — this keeps them from bleeding too much and turning the casserole soggy.
Lemon Zest Into Sugar: Rubbing zest in the sugar releases oils that add a fresh, zingy aroma boosting the blueberry flavor beautifully.
Cover While Baking: Keep the casserole covered initially so the custard cooks through without drying out, then uncover at the end for a golden crust.

How to Serve Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe

blueberry french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually dust the warm casserole with powdered sugar and drizzle pure maple syrup on top — nothing beats that sweet finish. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for extra texture and richness.

Side Dishes

I love pairing it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or a light green smoothie also complements the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve it in miniature ramekins for individual portions — it feels extra fancy and helps with portion control. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or edible flowers on top can also brighten the table visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftover bites just as delightful.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by baking first, then letting it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil to keep moisture in and warm it at 325°F until heated through—usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the custard creamy without drying out the top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than brioche?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness and texture, challah or Texas toast are great alternatives that soak up custard nicely without falling apart. Just avoid bread that’s too dense or crusty.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Make sure to use bread that’s at least a day old so it can soak custard without falling apart. Also, don’t thaw frozen blueberries before layering — keeping them frozen prevents excess moisture. Finally, refrigerating the casserole overnight allows even soaking which helps texture.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this recipe benefits from overnight soaking in the fridge. Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.

What can I serve with Blueberry French Toast Casserole?

It pairs beautifully with breakfast meats like bacon or sausage. Fresh seasonal fruit or fruit salad brings a refreshing contrast. For drinks, a hot coffee or a light fruit smoothie complements this custardy bake perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Bake Recipe is a little morning hug in food form. I love how it feels like a special occasion but really just takes a bit of prep the night before. Whether you’re feeding a family, brunch crew, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that’s warm, welcoming, and full of flavor. Trust me, it’ll become one of your favorite breakfast bakes too.