There’s something utterly delightful about waking up to the smell of blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole wafting through the house. It’s a dish that not only looks stunning on the table but also tastes absolutely divine! I remember the first time I made it for a brunch gathering; everyone raved about the creamy, dreamy texture and the burst of blueberries with each bite. It’s become a staple in my home, especially for special occasions like holidays or lazy weekend mornings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved breakfast classic. It’s easy to prepare, and the best part? You can prep it ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy the company of your loved ones!
Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
To make this mouthwatering blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole, you’ll need some simple yet delicious ingredients. Start with one loaf of bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces—day-old bread works great for this! You’ll also need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to make it easy to spread. For that burst of flavor, grab 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries. Next, you’ll need 6 large eggs to create that fluffy texture, along with 2 cups of milk for creaminess. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of sugar to sweeten it up, and a teaspoon each of vanilla extract and cinnamon for warmth. A pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon) ties everything together beautifully!
How to Prepare Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Preparing this blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with heavenly scents! Let’s get started with some simple steps to create this delicious dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, as it ensures your casserole cooks evenly.
- While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking, so your casserole comes out perfectly!
- Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the greased dish. Make sure to cover the bottom well.
- Now, dot the bread with the softened cream cheese. Don’t worry about being perfect; just make sure there are tasty bits everywhere!
- Next, sprinkle the blueberries generously over the cream cheese. They’ll burst with flavor as they bake!
- Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the blueberries. You want to create a lovely, fluffy layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
- Pour that creamy egg mixture evenly over the bread layers, ensuring all the bread is soaked. This is key for that delicious custardy texture.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can. Trust me—this soaking time makes all the difference!
- When you’re ready, bake it for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and then dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare, making breakfast a stress-free delight!
- The creamy texture of the cream cheese paired with juicy blueberries is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone loves it, and you can make it ahead of time!
- It fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile enough for a cozy family brunch or a festive holiday feast.
Nutritional Information for Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Each slice of this delightful blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole is a treat! As an estimate, you’ll find it contains about 320 calories, 15 grams of fat, 10 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a delicious way to start your day while still keeping an eye on your nutritional intake!
Tips for Success with Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
For the best blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole, use high-quality bread—think brioche or challah for that extra richness! Make sure your cream cheese is really softened; it’ll blend more easily with the other ingredients. Don’t skip the refrigeration step; it’s crucial for letting the flavors meld and ensuring a custardy texture. Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so check for that golden top and a firm center. And if you want to elevate it even more, a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving is just heavenly!
Variations on Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole! Try using different fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even peaches for a seasonal twist. You could also sprinkle in some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or swap in pumpkin spice for a cozy fall vibe. And if you’re a bread lover like me, experimenting with different types like croissants or sourdough can add a whole new layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
To store any leftovers of your delicious blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or pop the whole dish back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ about Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Can I use frozen blueberries? Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just toss them in straight from the freezer; no need to thaw them first!
How can I make this dish gluten-free? You can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread. Just make sure to check the ingredients for any hidden gluten sources.
Can I prepare it the night before? Yes! In fact, I recommend refrigerating it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all that delicious custard goodness.
What should I serve with it? I love serving this casserole with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh fruit or whipped cream also makes a delightful addition!
How do I know when it’s done baking? You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set. A gentle shake of the dish should show minimal jiggle!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Bliss Awaits
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish.
- Dot with cream cheese and sprinkle blueberries on top.
- Layer the remaining bread cubes over the blueberries.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
- Can be prepared a day in advance.
- Adjust sweetness based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: blueberry cream cheese french toast casserole
