Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked Gluten-Free Blueberry French Toast Casserole. This dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family brunches, or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Packed with creamy cheese, juicy blueberries, and a warm, homemade blueberry sauce, this casserole will quickly become your favorite gluten-free breakfast recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Blueberry French Toast Casserole

1. A Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a brunch, this casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike.

2. Make-Ahead Convenience

Prep it the night before, and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free start to your day.

3. Naturally Sweetened

The maple syrup and blueberry sauce provide a natural sweetness, so you won’t need extra sugar.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole

For the French Toast Layer

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Gluten-free Challah bread	12 slices (1 pound)	Forms the base of the casserole
Cream cheese or mascarpone	Two 8-ounce packages	Adds creaminess and richness
Fresh or frozen blueberries	1 cup	Provides bursts of fruity flavor
Large eggs	12	Binds the ingredients together
Milk	2 cups	Adds moisture
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Enhances the flavor
Maple syrup	⅓ cup	Sweetens naturally

For the Blueberry Sauce

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Granulated sugar	1 cup	Sweetens the sauce
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	Thickens the sauce
Water	1 cup	Creates the base for the sauce
Fresh blueberries	1 cup	Adds fruity goodness
Butter	1 tablespoon	Adds a glossy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

1. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cut the gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes and layer half of them in the prepared dish.
3. Cube the cream cheese (or mascarpone) and scatter it over the bread layer.
4. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the cheese. Add the remaining bread cubes on top.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard for a richer flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Remove the dish from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Remove the plastic wrap, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
4. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Step 4: Prepare the Blueberry Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
2. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Add the blueberries and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the blueberries start to pop.
4. Stir in the butter until melted and glossy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the casserole into portions and drizzle warm blueberry sauce over each serving.
2. Garnish with additional fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Blueberry French Toast Casserole

1. Use Stale Bread

Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer casserole. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours or lightly toast it in the oven.

2. Customize the Fruit

While blueberries are classic, you can experiment with raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries.

3. Don’t Skip the Overnight Rest

Letting the casserole sit overnight ensures the bread soaks up all the custard, giving you a moist, flavorful dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	10g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	18g

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast.
• Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for added brightness.
• Top with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Blueberry French Toast Casserole

1. Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Gluten-Free?

Yes, if you’re not avoiding gluten, regular challah or brioche works just as well.

2. Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and use almond milk instead of regular milk.

3. Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Absolutely! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. How Do I Prevent the Casserole From Getting Soggy?

Ensure the bread is stale and don’t over-soak it in the custard mixture.

5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Casserole?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain its texture.

6. Can I Double the Recipe for a Crowd?

Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion: A Breakfast Worth Waking Up For

This Gluten-Free Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining creamy cheese, fresh fruit, and a warm, buttery sauce. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Ready to Get Baking?

Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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