Why You’ll Love Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

You can prep it the night before — wake up and just bake.
No need to flip individual slices in the morning.
The cream cheese layer gives pockets of creamy richness throughout.
Fresh blueberries add bright, juicy flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cream cheese mixture:

softened cream cheese
powdered sugar
milk
vanilla extract
blueberries

For the bread layers:

French bread, cubed

For the egg mixture:

milk
eggs
cinnamon
nutmeg
vanilla extract
blueberries

Directions

In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a portion of the vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in blueberries.
In your baking dish, layer half the cubed French bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture over it, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, the rest of the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Pour this egg‑custard mixture over the bread layers, pressing gently to help the bread absorb it. Sprinkle blueberries evenly on top.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
In the morning (or when ready), remove from fridge 30–60 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Bake 45 minutes with foil on. Then remove foil and bake an additional ~30 minutes (or until the center is set and top is lightly golden).
Let rest ~10 minutes before serving so it finishes setting.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: ~30 minutes
Baking time: ~75 minutes
Total time (including overnight rest): 8–12 hours

Variations

Use frozen blueberries (no need to thaw) or swap in raspberries or blackberries.
Substitute mascarpone or ricotta for cream cheese (adjust sugar to taste).
Swap French bread for challah, brioche, or regular white bread (use slightly stale bread).
Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger along with cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze either before or after baking: wrap tightly if unbaked, or portion and freeze baked squares.
To reheat, microwave individual portions 1–2 minutes or heat larger portions in a 325 °F (about 160 °C) oven for 15–20 minutes (cover with foil if needed).

FAQs

What kind of bread is best to use?

Slightly stale French bread (a day or two old) works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.

Can I prepare and bake on the same morning instead of overnight?

Yes — assemble the casserole and let it sit while the oven preheats (plus 10 minutes) before baking.

Do I need to butter or grease the baking dish?

Yes, it’s recommended to lightly grease or butter the dish so the casserole doesn’t stick.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can adapt to a 9×13‑inch pan. Bake time may vary slightly (check earlier and adjust).

Can I use a different fruit instead of blueberries?

Absolutely — raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries work well too.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Yes — mascarpone or ricotta are good substitutes, though you may want to tweak the sweetness.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The top should be lightly golden and puffed. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, but not wet.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes — wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It keeps up to 2 months unbaked.

Can I freeze baked leftovers?

Yes — cut into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Will the bread get soggy if stored overnight?

Some absorption continues after baking, but the texture remains pleasant if stored properly and reheated well.

Conclusion

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is ideal for making ahead and enjoying a fuss‑free, crowd‑pleasing breakfast. It combines creamy, custardy richness with the sweet burst of blueberries in every bite. Whether for a holiday morning or a relaxing weekend brunch, it’s sure to impress with minimal morning effort.