If you have ever dreamed of breakfast heaven, then this Streusel Topped Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to make your mornings unforgettable. Imagine layers of tender, custardy bread soaked in a sweet vanilla and cinnamon egg wash, studded with tangy blueberries and pockets of creamy cheese, all crowned with a delightfully crumbly streusel topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that combines textures and flavors so perfectly, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a special brunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to pull out whenever you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum wow-factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a vital role in making this Streusel Topped Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe taste spectacular. From the richness of the eggs and cream cheese to the fresh burst of blueberries and the sweet crunch of the streusel, every element balances texture and flavor beautifully.
- White flour: Essential for the streusel topping to add that perfect crumbly texture.
- White sugar: Adds sweetness, enhancing both the streusel and the custard base.
- Cold butter cubed: Key for creating the streusel’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumbs.
- Large eggs: They create the custard soak that transforms the bread into a soft, luscious layer.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture without overpowering other flavors.
- Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and warmth, playing beautifully with the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses cozy spice into both the streusel and custard layers.
- Vanilla extract: Adds rich aroma and depth to the custard mixture.
- Stale bread cubes: The base of the casserole, absorbing all the custard to create that perfect fluffy texture.
- Cream cheese cubes: Little pockets of creamy tanginess that surprise with every bite.
- Blueberries: Bursting with fresh, juicy sweetness that cuts through the richness.
- Extra blueberries and maple syrup: Perfect for garnishing and adding a fresh, sweet finish.
How to Make Streusel Topped Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Then, rub in the cold, cubed butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pop this streusel topping in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the casserole. This step is crucial for achieving that delightfully crunchy yet tender texture on top that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large measuring jug, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture will soak into the stale bread, transforming it from simple cubes into a rich, flavorful base for the casserole that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, evenly spread half of the bread cubes. Scatter the cream cheese cubes and half of the blueberries over this layer. Pour over one-third of the egg custard, allowing it to soak into the bread. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread and blueberries, then pour the remaining custard mixture over everything. This careful layering ensures every forkful has a balance of custard-soaked bread, melty cheese, and juicy berries.
Step 4: Chill the Casserole
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for a minimum of two hours. This step lets the bread thoroughly absorb the custard, so when baked, it sets into a perfectly soft, richly flavored dish with minimal effort.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and remove the casserole from the fridge. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the surface, ensuring a deliciously crunchy crust. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the casserole is set and the streusel is golden brown. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to finish setting before serving – the perfect time to prepare your coffee or invite your guests to gather around!
How to Serve Streusel Topped Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup on top immediately add a pop of color and an extra touch of natural sweetness. You can also dust a little powdered sugar or add a few mint leaves for a fresh, pretty presentation that makes this dish feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad to lighten the plate or crisp bacon to add a savory contrast to the sweet richness. You can even enjoy it alongside a dollop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for an indulgent brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings or layering it with other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a colorful twist. Serving it in a clear glass dish also lets all the beautiful layers shine through, making the meal as stunning as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, simply cover any leftovers with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making each reheated serving taste just as delightful as the first day.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions of this casserole once cooled. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or foil, and keep for up to two months. It’s a wonderful way to have a ready-made special breakfast treat whenever you want it!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the streusel topping regains some of its crunch. Microwaving works too, but the oven method keeps the texture most faithful to freshly baked perfection.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, but slightly stale bread absorbs the custard much better without falling apart, giving you that ideal soft yet structured texture. If your bread is fresh, consider toasting it lightly to firm it up before cutting into cubes.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
While cream cheese adds a lovely creaminess and slight tang, you could try ricotta or mascarpone as alternatives. Keep in mind it will change the texture subtly but still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for almond or oat milk and replace butter in the streusel with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Use dairy-free cream cheese to keep all the rich flavors intact.
What other berries work well in this casserole?
Blueberries are classic, but raspberries, blackberries, and even chopped strawberries can be fantastic substitutions or additions for more variety and bursts of flavor.
How important is the overnight chilling step?
Chilling allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, ensuring the casserole is moist and tender throughout. If you’re short on time, at least 2 hours of chilling will still give you a great result, but overnight is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This Streusel Topped Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is pure breakfast joy wrapped up in an easy-to-make dish. I promise, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again because it truly brings people together over something warm, sweet, and unforgettable. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a brunch that feels like a celebration in every bite!
Print
Streusel Topped Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Streusel Topped Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a deliciously comforting breakfast dish featuring layers of stale bread, creamy cream cheese, and fresh blueberries, all soaked in a flavorful egg mixture and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, it can be assembled ahead of time and baked to golden perfection, offering a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Streusel Topping
- â…“ cup white flour
- â…“ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
Egg Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- â…“ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Main Casserole
- 16 oz stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- â…” cup cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups blueberries
- Extra blueberries and maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Make the streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate the streusel until ready to use.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large measuring jug or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Layer the casserole: In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, place half of the bread cubes evenly. Sprinkle half the cream cheese cubes over the bread, followed by half the blueberries. Pour over one-third of the egg mixture evenly. Repeat by layering the remaining bread cubes, cream cheese, and blueberries, then pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over the top to soak all the bread.
- Chill the casserole: Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the surface. Bake the casserole for 40-50 minutes, or until it is set in the center and golden on top.
- Rest and serve: After baking, let the casserole rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm topped with extra fresh blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness and freshness.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best absorption; day-old bread works perfectly.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure the casserole is fully covered with plastic wrap while chilling to maintain moisture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
