Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Vanilla Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is an incredibly easy and delicious twist on traditional French toast. The best part? It can be prepped the night before, making your morning routine hassle-free. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. The combination of fluffy bread soaked in a rich, vanilla-infused custard and topped with fresh blueberries is simply irresistible. The optional vanilla glaze adds a touch of sweetness that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients

For French Toast:

• 5 large eggs

• 1 cup milk (your choice)

• 1/4 cup melted salted butter (DF option: Use ghee or melted coconut oil)

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus more (optional) for serving

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• Cooking spray

• 1 (10-ounce) loaf of sourdough bread* (GF option: Use gluten-free bread)

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen** blueberries

For Vanilla Glaze (optional):

• 1 tablespoon milk (your choice)

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

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

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

2. Spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Arrange the cubed bread in the dish and scatter 1 cup of blueberries over the bread. Reserve 1/2 cup of blueberries for later.

3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, making sure all the bread pieces are soaked. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of blueberries on top of the casserole.

4. (For freezer instructions: If you are making this casserole ahead of time, this is where you can freeze it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours, if not freezing.)

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F while the casserole sits on the counter to warm slightly.

6. Bake the casserole uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it with foil.

7. To make the vanilla glaze, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a small bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix until a thin glaze forms.

8. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling with the vanilla glaze (use as much or as little as you like). Serve warm, topped with additional maple syrup if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 55 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Servings: 5 servings

Variations

• Add-ins: Try swapping the blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.

• Bread options: Use challah or brioche for a sweeter, richer French toast base.

• Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and coconut oil or ghee in place of butter and milk.

• Vegan: Substitute eggs with a flax egg or chia egg and choose a plant-based milk for a vegan version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before using.

3. Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! Sourdough works great, but you can use challah, brioche, or any bread of your choice.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free bread of your choice to make this casserole gluten-free.

5. Can I make this casserole without the vanilla glaze?

Yes, the casserole is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness. You can skip it if you prefer.

6. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can also insert a toothpick into the middle—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

7. Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just be sure to let it sit out to thaw for 1-2 hours before baking.

8. Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave, or any sweetener of your choice.

9. How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Make sure the bread is fully soaked in the egg mixture and allow the casserole to bake long enough to set in the middle. If you prefer less sogginess, you can lightly toast the bread before assembling the casserole.

10. Can I serve this casserole with other toppings?

Yes! Serve with additional maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

Conclusion

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Vanilla Glaze is a wonderful breakfast or brunch option that can be made ahead of time, saving you stress in the morning. The combination of warm, custardy bread, juicy blueberries, and sweet vanilla glaze will make everyone at the table smile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.