Last Updated on February 28, 2022 by Anne-Marie

This blueberry French toast casserole recipe is an easy make-ahead breakfast. This French toast casserole bake is dairy-free and gluten-free.

Why this recipe works

This blueberry French toast casserole recipe is super adaptable for weekend brunches or breakfast work meetings.

It was inspired by recipes I’ve lusted over but couldn’t eat because of my dietary restrictions. So, I made a dairy free French toast casserole recipe with my favorite gluten free bread and fresh blueberries that I could indulge in safely.

If you find yourself with a need for an easy breakfast for busy weekends, this overnight breakfast bake option is going to be a favorite for your family.

Another easy-to-make breakfast recipe is Blueberry Muffin Cake, which also can be made gluten free.

Overnight French toast casserole with blueberries

Using up leftover gluten free bread or bread ends is an excellent reason to cook up this make-ahead delicious French toast casserole bake.

If your kids are like mine and refuse to eat up bread ends, then you need a way to use them. I keep a large gallon freezer bag to store them in the freezer until I have enough to throw together this breakfast dish.

The recipes that inspired this dish were a bit more decadent than I prefer for breakfast.  It was simple to lighten it up and make it healthier by using substitutes for dairy, eggs, and even sugar.

Below are some of my favorite ways to make this French toast casserole recipe healthier and easy to fit into any diet plan.

This overnight breakfast casserole was delicious and reminded me of cream cheese stuffed French toast but without the guilt.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole would be wonderful to serve on Mother’s Day or to bring to a breakfast meeting at work.

How to make this French toast casserole dairy free

If you follow a dairy free diet, you may think a great French toast bake would be impossible to make. I discovered with a few simple substitutions you can make this recipe just as delicious as any that includes dairy.

Cheese: Use vegan or dairy-free cream cheese.

Coconut milk: Light coconut milk, rice milk, unsweetened almond milk, or soy milk are all great vegan substitutes.

Vegan? Choose a vegan egg substitute instead of the egg whites and a vegan bread for the regular or gluten free bread.

Lower the fat: If you’re not vegan, using egg whites instead of a whole egg lowers the fat content.

Gluten-free French toast casserole overnight bake tips

For those who have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it’s easy to adapt this French toast casserole recipe.

Whether you make your own homemade gluten free bread, or you use the ends of a store bought gluten-free bread, it won’t matter. Both work well for this recipe.

● Use gluten-free cinnamon bread for more flavor.

● Cut gluten-free bread into smaller pieces to help absorb the liquid better.

● Gluten-free bagels, hamburger and hot dog buns, and muffins that are stale are also a terrific (and delicious!) option for use in this overnight breakfast bake.

● Serve with real maple syrup. Or check out these 14 Best Substitutes for Maple Syrup for more topping ideas.

More make ahead breakfast recipes

Preparing breakfast in advance to bake the next morning makes your job so much easier to manage.  You can use your favorite casserole dish to make it easy to take from the refrigerator to the oven.

Using a disposable aluminum pan with a lid works great for teacher appreciation breakfasts so you don’t worry about having to get your casserole dish back. (And leftovers can go home with the teachers!)

Below are a few of other favorite make ahead breakfasts:

● Overnight Breakfast Casserole and Crockpot Breakfast Casserole are two delicious casseroles you can prep ahead of time.

● Make a Quick & Easy Quiche with leftovers or deli meat.

● Muffins are the best make ahead breakfast. Try Zucchini Muffins or Banana Oatmeal Muffins.

Originally published on February 9, 2012. Updated with new pictures and information.