Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Indulge in the heavenly delight of our Decadent Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, a dish that warms the heart and satisfies your taste buds like no other. This luscious concoction utilizes rich cream cheese, farm-fresh eggs, and juicy blueberries, all lovingly layered between slices of day-old white bread. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply as a luxurious weekday treat, this casserole can be prepared in advance and baked to golden perfection. Whether you're serving it to family or friends, each bite is guaranteed to evoke smiles and spark conversations, making it an unforgettable highlight of your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
day-old white bread
12 slices (crusts removed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
cream cheese
2 (8-ounce) packages (cut into 1-inch cubes)
blueberries
2 cups (fresh or frozen, divided)
eggs
12 (large, beaten)
milk
2 cups (whole or your choice)
maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup (pure syrup for sweetness)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (ground)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons
water
1 cup
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (for stirring into the sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and layer half of it in the greased baking dish.
4
Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the layer of bread. Then, sprinkle half of the blueberries over the cream cheese.
5
Top with the remaining bread cubes and layer the rest of the blueberries on top.
6
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and maple syrup (or honey) until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and blueberry layers in the dish.
7
Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the top before covering the dish with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
8
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking to bring it to room temperature.
9
Cover the dish again and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10
While the casserole is baking, prepare the blueberry sauce: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch, then add in the water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
11
Once it thickens, stir in the remaining blueberries and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the blueberries burst and the sauce thickens.
12
Finish the sauce by mixing in the butter until melted and smooth.
13
After the first 30 minutes of baking, remove the cover from the casserole and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
14
Serve warm with the blueberry sauce drizzled over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread is best for this French toast casserole?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of day-old white bread with the crusts removed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How much cream cheese do I need?
You will need 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, which should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for both the casserole and the sauce.
How many eggs are required?
This recipe requires 12 large beaten eggs.
Can I use a milk alternative?
The recipe suggests 2 cups of whole milk or your choice of milk alternative.
Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon sprinkled over the top.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this casserole.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray before starting the layers.
What is the correct way to layer the ingredients?
Layer half the bread cubes, then all the cream cheese cubes, then half the blueberries, followed by the remaining bread and remaining blueberries.
How long does the casserole need to refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best results.
Do I need to let the casserole sit before baking?
Yes, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking to bring it to room temperature.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole bake?
It bakes covered for 30 minutes, and then uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set.
What ingredients are in the blueberry sauce?
The sauce is made from 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 cup water, the remaining blueberries, and 1 tablespoon butter.
How do I thicken the blueberry sauce?
Combine sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil for 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
When do I add the blueberries to the sauce?
Stir in the blueberries after the sugar mixture has thickened, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
What happens to the blueberries in the sauce?
During the 8 to 10 minute simmer, the blueberries will burst and the sauce will further thicken.
When is the butter added to the sauce?
The butter is stirred in at the very end until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine for the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday feasts, or luxury treats.
How should the French toast be served?
Serve the casserole warm with the homemade blueberry sauce drizzled over the top.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is a make-ahead recipe that requires chilling overnight before baking.
How many slices of bread are used?
The recipe uses 12 slices of day-old white bread.
What should the texture of the bread cubes be?
The bread should be cut into 1-inch cubes for the proper consistency.
Does this recipe use granulated sugar?
Yes, 1 cup of granulated sugar is used specifically for the blueberry sauce.
What is the role of cornstarch in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of cornstarch are used as a thickening agent for the blueberry sauce.
How many total blueberries are used?
The recipe uses a total of 2 cups of blueberries, divided between the casserole and the sauce.
What makes this casserole 'decadent'?
The combination of rich cream cheese, farm-fresh eggs, and a sweet homemade blueberry sauce creates a luxurious and indulgent dish.