Introduction
This rich and comforting breakfast casserole is the perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and fruity. Soft bread soaks up a vanilla custard, pockets of cream cheese add a luscious texture, and juicy blueberries burst with flavor in every bite. Ideal for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead mornings.
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the topping
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Optional glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Grease a baking dish and spread half of the bread cubes evenly.
Add the cream cheese cubes and blueberries over the bread.
Top with the remaining bread cubes.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so everything absorbs the custard.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Prepare the topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until golden and set in the center.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm casserole if desired.
Benefits
Provides energy from carbohydrates and natural fruit sugars
Contains calcium from milk and cream cheese
Great for feeding a group with minimal effort
Can be prepared ahead for convenience
Nutrition
Rich in protein from eggs
Contains healthy antioxidants from blueberries
Moderate fat content from cream and cheese
Best enjoyed in balanced portions
Tips
Use slightly stale bread for better absorption
Frozen blueberries work well without thawing
Add a pinch of lemon zest for a fresh flavor boost
Serve with maple syrup or extra berries
Conclusion
This blueberry cream cheese French toast casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines ease and indulgence. Perfectly soft inside with a lightly crisp topping, it’s the kind of dish that turns any morning into something special.