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

Scale

Streusel Topping

⅓ cup white flour
⅓ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Egg Mixture

5 large eggs
1 ½ cups milk
⅓ cup maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Main Casserole

16 oz stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
⅔ cup cream cheese, cubed
2 cups blueberries
Extra blueberries and maple syrup, for serving

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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.