Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cube the bread: Cut 6 cups of bread into bite-sized cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for an hour or lightly toast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to dry it out. Stale bread soaks up the custard better!
Add blueberries: Spread half of the bread cubes in the baking dish, then sprinkle half of the blueberries over them. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp salt. Whisk well until smooth and slightly frothy.
Pro Tip: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother blend.
Pour and soak: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, making sure all pieces get soaked. Press down gently with a spatula so the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for an easy make-ahead option).
Prepare the topping (optional): In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ cup chopped pecans (if using), and 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
Pro Tip: To check if it's done, insert a knife in the middle—if it comes out mostly clean (a little moisture is okay), it’s ready!
Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for extra deliciousness!
I love drizzling mine with a little warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar—it makes every bite taste like a bakery-style treat!