Name: French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles; 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained; 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables); 1 small onion, diced (optional); 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping if desired); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping); 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe lets you do all the work the night before, so your morning is as easy as popping it in the oven. The blueberries add a fresh, slightly tart burst of flavor that balances the sweetness, and the texture is rich and custardy inside with a lightly crisp top. It’s customizable, great for special occasions, and makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes.

Ingredients

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

Day-old French bread, challah, or brioche
Fresh or frozen blueberries
Eggs
Milk or half-and-half
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Butter
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream

Directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut bread into cubes and spread half into the dish.
Scatter half of the blueberries over the bread. Repeat with remaining bread and blueberries.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, whisking until well combined.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so it soaks in.
Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Dot the top with butter pieces and bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until set in the center and golden on top.
Cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 6–12 hours
Baking time: 45–55 minutes
Total time: 7 hours 5 minutes – 13 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Lemon-Blueberry: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the custard.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking.
Berry Mix: Use a combination of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
Chocolate Swirl: Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate before serving.
Cinnamon Swirl: Mix cinnamon sugar into the bread layers for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 45–60 seconds. Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, no need to thaw—just add them directly to the casserole.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free butter.

Can I skip the cream cheese?

Yes, but it adds richness and creaminess to the dish.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes, just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up during soaking.

Do I have to soak it overnight?

The overnight soak gives the best texture, but a minimum of 4 hours will work.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut it down without affecting the structure.

Why is my casserole soggy?

It may have too much liquid or wasn’t baked long enough—bake until the center is set.

Can I bake it covered?

Cover for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning, then uncover to crisp the top.

Can I prepare and freeze before baking?

Yes, assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What’s the best bread to use?

Brioche, challah, or sturdy French bread soak up the custard beautifully.

Conclusion

Overnight blueberry French toast casserole is a stress-free way to enjoy a decadent breakfast with family or friends. With its fruity bursts, custardy interior, and crisp golden top, it’s a dish that feels special but requires minimal morning effort—perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you want breakfast to feel like a treat.