Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast dish: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of fresh blueberries and creamy cheese wafting through the house. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate. This casserole is the perfect blend of fluffy bread, tangy cream cheese, and juicy blueberries, making it an indulgent yet simple way to start the day. Trust me, whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a special occasion, this dish will make your breakfast feel extra special and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create breakfast magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (day-old or stale works best for texture!)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened for easy mixing
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (don’t skimp on these juicy gems!)
- 6 large eggs (get those proteins in!)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk adds a nice richness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for that touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a splash of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (because cinnamon makes everything better!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a breakfast treat that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole! It’s super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be worth every second you spend in the kitchen. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent any sticking. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!
Now, spread half of those lovely cubed bread pieces evenly in the dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar until it’s all smooth and creamy—this is where the magic begins! Spread that mixture generously over the bread cubes. Then, layer the remaining bread cubes on top and sprinkle those fresh blueberries all over. It’s a berry explosion waiting to happen!
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until they’re well combined. Pour this dreamy egg mixture over the bread layers, ensuring everything gets a good soak. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight if you’re feeling fancy!). Finally, bake it for 45-50 minutes until it’s golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cubed bread in the dish.
- Mix the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then spread over the bread.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and blueberries.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare, making breakfast a breeze!
- The combination of creamy cheese and juicy blueberries is absolutely divine.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or serving at special occasions—everyone will rave about it!
- You can make it ahead of time, letting the flavors meld overnight.
- It’s a delightful twist on traditional French toast that’ll impress your family and friends.
- Served warm, it’s like a comforting hug that brightens your morning!
Tips for Success
To make your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole truly shine, here are some pro tips! First, using stale bread is key—it absorbs the egg mixture better and gives you that fluffy texture. If you want an extra creamy filling, try adding a dollop of sour cream to the cream cheese mixture. Don’t rush the chilling process; letting it sit overnight enhances the flavor and texture. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that golden brown top. Lastly, feel free to swap in different berries or even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your breakfast experience with this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, I highly recommend serving it with a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage links. The salty goodness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the casserole. You could also whip up some fresh whipped cream for a decadent touch—trust me, it adds a delightful creaminess! And don’t forget a drizzle of maple syrup to take it over the top. For a refreshing twist, a side of mixed fruit or a light fruit salad can brighten up the plate and make your breakfast feel extra special!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is not just delicious; it’s also relatively balanced for a breakfast treat. Each serving, which is about one-eighth of the casserole, contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy this tasty dish knowing it packs a delicious punch without feeling too guilty!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend preparing it the night before and letting it soak in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your breakfast even more delicious!
What type of bread works best?
I find that day-old or stale bread works wonders for this casserole. It absorbs the egg mixture perfectly, giving you that fluffy texture we all love. But if you’re in a pinch, fresh bread will do too!
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can! Just toss them in frozen and they’ll thaw as the casserole bakes. It’s a great option if fresh blueberries aren’t in season.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary!
What can I serve with this dish?
For an extra special breakfast, I love pairing it with crispy bacon or savory sausage links, and don’t forget a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for that indulgent touch!
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out all our recipes or try making Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake for a delightful twist!
For information on the health benefits of blueberries, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Bliss Awaits
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delicious breakfast dish that combines creamy cheese, fresh blueberries, and fluffy bread.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes and blueberries.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- 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 brown.
Notes
- For best results, use stale bread.
- You can substitute frozen blueberries if fresh are not available.
- Serve warm with syrup or powdered sugar on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, breakfast casserole, blueberry casserole