Blueberry Challah French Toast Casserole Recipe

This blueberry challah French toast casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that brings together rich, eggy challah bread and bursts of juicy blueberries. It’s a sweet, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. With a creamy custard base and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a treat for any morning.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into something special. You can make it ahead, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a warm, flavorful casserole with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a festive brunch, this dish delivers cozy vibes and delicious bites. Let’s dive into why it’s a hit and how to make it at home.

Why People Love This Blueberry Challah French Toast Casserole

This casserole is adored for its soft, fluffy texture and bright blueberry flavor. The challah bread soaks up the custard perfectly, creating a tender bite with crispy edges. Blueberries add a fresh, fruity pop that balances the richness.

It’s a time-saver, too. Prep it the night before, and breakfast is ready with almost no morning effort. That makes it ideal for busy days or special occasions like brunch with friends or family gatherings.

People also enjoy its versatility. It’s sweet enough for kids but sophisticated enough for adults. The combination of comfort, ease, and that irresistible blueberry taste keeps it a favorite year-round.

The aroma while it bakes is another bonus. It fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that gets everyone excited. It’s a simple way to make any day feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need a handful of basic items plus some blueberries to make this casserole. Most are easy to find, and the list is straightforward. Here’s what to gather:

• 1 loaf of challah bread (about 12-14 ounces), preferably day-old
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest

These ingredients create a luscious, fruity casserole. The challah’s rich texture and the blueberries’ natural sweetness are the stars. You can use store-bought or homemade challah—both work great.

Tools for the Job

No fancy equipment is required for this recipe. Simple kitchen tools will do just fine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and adds a little extra flavor. A shallow dish ensures even baking and a nice top crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. Each step is quick, leading to a delicious result. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Prepare the Challah

Cut the challah bread into 1-inch cubes. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly. This helps it soak up the custard without getting soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. Add vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest if using. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half the bread cubes in the greased baking dish. Scatter 1 cup of blueberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.

Step 4: Add Custard and Berries

Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing down gently. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of blueberries on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge to warm up slightly while the oven heats.

Step 6: Add Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This gives it a golden, crispy finish and a touch of richness.

Step 7: Bake It

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. The blueberries should be soft and juicy when done.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it hold together for cleaner servings.

Tips for the Best Blueberry Challah French Toast Casserole

A few simple tweaks can make this dish even better. Here are some ideas to try:

• Use stale challah for the best texture; it holds the custard well.
• Toss blueberries in a teaspoon of flour to prevent sinking.
• Add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Double the cinnamon if you love warm spice flavors.
• Check at 35 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Let it sit overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

These tips let you customize it to your liking. They’re small changes that can make a big difference in the final dish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving. This is based on 8 servings without optional add-ins.

Values may vary slightly depending on your bread and milk. It’s a satisfying dish with a bit of fruit goodness. The blueberries add a small boost of antioxidants, too.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is tasty on its own, but a few extras can make it shine. Try these ideas for a complete meal:

1. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
2. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
3. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
4. Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or more blueberries.
5. Add a side of bacon or sausage for a savory balance.

These options make it feel special. They’re easy additions that elevate the experience without much effort.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers are easy to manage with this recipe. They store well and taste great later. Here’s how to handle them.

Wrap the cooled casserole in foil or use an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions for up to a month if you want to save some.

Reheat a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Or warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist and soft when reheating.

Variations to Try

This recipe is adaptable for different tastes. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

• Mixed Berry: Use a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for variety.
• Almond Crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for texture.
• Orange Twist: Swap lemon zest for orange zest in the custard for a citrus kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free challah or another sturdy bread alternative.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Dot with small cubes of cream cheese before baking for richness.

These variations keep it exciting. They’re simple ways to tweak it based on what you have or enjoy most.

Why This Recipe Works

The charm of this casserole lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The challah’s rich, eggy nature pairs perfectly with the juicy blueberries. The custard ties it all together with a creamy, spiced base that’s not too heavy.

It’s also low-effort with big payoff. Prep it ahead, and the oven does the heavy lifting, leaving you with a warm, delicious dish. That convenience makes it a winner for any occasion, from holidays to casual mornings.

The blueberries add a healthy touch, too. They bring antioxidants and flavor without much extra work. It’s indulgence with a feel-good factor that appeals to everyone.

Summary

This blueberry challah French toast casserole is a sweet, easy breakfast that’s perfect for any morning. The soft challah, juicy blueberries, and creamy custard create a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Prep it the night before, bake it fresh, and enjoy a hassle-free meal that impresses every time.

It’s great for family breakfasts, brunches, or just treating yourself to something special. With simple ingredients and a forgiving process, it’s a recipe that delivers delicious results effortlessly. Try it out and savor the cozy, fruity goodness!

FAQ

Can I use fresh instead of day-old challah?

Yes, but dry it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes first. This helps it absorb the custard better without falling apart.

Do frozen blueberries work?

Yes, use them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw, though they may release more juice during baking.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap milk and cream for almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for the topping to keep it rich.

How do I know it’s done?

The top should be golden and the center set but soft. Blueberries will look juicy and plump when it’s ready.

Can I freeze the whole casserole?

Bake it first, then freeze it whole or in portions. Reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy.

Blueberry Challah French Toast Casserole Recipe

Usman Malik

This blueberry challah French toast casserole blends rich challah bread with juicy blueberries in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard. It’s a sweet, make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for sharing on cozy mornings or special brunches. The dish offers a delightful mix of soft texture and fruity bursts with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting Board and Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf of challah bread about 12-14 ounces, preferably day-old
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries no need to thaw if frozen
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Challah

• Cut the challah bread into 1-inch cubes. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly. This helps it soak up the custard without getting soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. Add vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest if using. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread half the bread cubes in the greased baking dish. Scatter 1 cup of blueberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.

Step 4: Add Custard and Berries

• Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing down gently. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of blueberries on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

• When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge to warm up slightly while the oven heats.

Step 6: Add Butter

• Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This gives it a golden, crispy finish and a touch of richness.

Step 7: Bake It

• Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. The blueberries should be soft and juicy when done.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it hold together for cleaner servings.

Notes

Use day-old challah for the best custard absorption and texture. Refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and convenience. Don’t skip the butter drizzle—it adds a crispy, golden top that elevates the dish.

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