Every bite of this Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole by Giada De Laurentiis is full of texture and flavor, from the soft, custardy bread and juicy blueberries to the crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.

This make-ahead breakfast casserole benefits from an overnight rest in the refrigerator, so all you need to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.

To make Giada’s Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole, prepare the mixture the night before, let it rest in the fridge, and bake it at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set.

Trust me, your mornings just got a whole lot easier with this recipe! If you’re not drooling yet, then you might want to check your pulse! Give it a try, and don’t forget to drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out.

Giada Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of butter (for greasing)
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups of whole milk
• 3/4 cup of maple syrup, plus extra for serving
• 1 tbsp plus 2 tsp of ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/4 tsp of fine sea salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 8 oz of day-old challah or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 slices)
• 2 cups (12 oz) of fresh or frozen blueberries; if using frozen, thaw and drain them well
• 3 tbsp of granulated sugar

How To Make Giada Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by placing an oven rack in the middle position of your oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter, ensuring all sides and corners are coated.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until frothy and well combined. Pour in the milk and maple syrup, stirring until fully blended. Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, fine sea salt, and the lemon zest. Mix these in well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Combine Bread and Blueberries: Gradually add the bread cubes to the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the liquid. Use a gentle folding motion to avoid breaking the bread. Once the bread is fully soaked, gently fold in the blueberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Pour this entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with the granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is uniform. Evenly sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface for a sweet and slightly crunchy topping.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, checking occasionally. The casserole should be golden brown on top and fully set in the center, meaning no liquid should remain.
6. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, so it sets further and is easier to slice. Spoon the warm casserole onto individual plates. Drizzle with extra maple syrup to taste, if desired.

Can I Make this Blueberry French Toast Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The best thing about this Giada Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole is that you can prep it the night before. Let the bread soak up all those incredible flavors overnight, then pop it in the oven in the morning for an easy and impressive breakfast.

Recipe Tips

• Use day-old bread: For the best texture, use day-old challah or sourdough bread because it absorbs the egg mixture better, giving you a custardy and delicious casserole. Fresh bread can become too soggy, so plan ahead for perfect results.
• Avoid overmixing: Gently fold the blueberries into the mixture to prevent them from breaking and turning everything blue. We want pops of juicy blueberries in every bite, not a blue mess, so handle with care.
• Make it ahead: Prepare everything the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors, making your morning easier and your casserole even tastier.
• Check for doneness: Bake until the top is golden and the center is set, but not too dry. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center; if it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the fruit: Try using raspberries or mixed berries instead of blueberries for a fun twist. Each berry adds a different flavor and color, making this casserole even more visually appealing and bursting with fruity goodness.
• Add some crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking. This adds a nice crunch to contrast the soft, custardy texture, making each bite more interesting and satisfying.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for extra warmth and depth. These small additions make a big difference and take the flavor profile to the next level.
• Go savory: If you’re not in the mood for sweet, swap out the blueberries for sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and replace the maple syrup with a bit of grated cheese. You’ll have a savory French toast casserole that’s just as comforting.

What To Serve With Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Serve your Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole with a side of lemon ricotta pancakes, savory breakfast sausages, or a refreshing cucumber-mint salad.

You can also pair it with smoked salmon on toast, avocado slices with a sprinkle of sea salt, or a chilled matcha latte for a creative and balanced breakfast spread.

How To Store Leftover Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole

In The Fridge:

Place the cooled Blueberry French Toast Casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring the seal is secure to prevent drying out.

In The Freezer:

The Blueberry French Toast Casserole can be stored in the freezer by wrapping individual portions tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if the casserole has already been frozen once.

How To Reheat Leftover Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Reheat your leftover Blueberry French Toast Casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring it heats evenly throughout.

Or, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered with a microwave-safe lid or plate to retain moisture.

Check out More Giada dessert Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Vegan Apple Crisp
• Giada De Laurentiis Blueberry Frozen Yogurt
• Giada De Laurentiis Ciambella Cake