This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is your new secret weapon for stress-free mornings—bursting with sweet berries, hearty bread, and creamy goodness in every bite! Prepped the night before, it’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that feels like a weekend treat, yet is practical enough for bustling weekdays or a hungry brunch crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stress-Free Mornings: Assemble it the night before, so all you have to do is bake and enjoy a cozy, homemade breakfast—no morning rush needed!
- Family & Potluck Favorite: This Overnight Breakfast Casserole easily feeds a crowd, making it perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or lazy weekends.
- Wholesome & Customizable: Packed with fruit, whole grains, and adjustable for any dietary preferences, it feels indulgent but is utterly doable for healthy eating.
- Delicious Hot or Cold: Enjoy leftovers straight from the fridge or pop them back in the oven—this casserole tastes amazing either way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Overnight Breakfast Casserole is in its simplicity—each ingredient adds its own special magic, from juicy berries to pillowy bread. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how these basics come together to create a breakfast worth getting up for.
- Berries (6 cups, about 32 oz): Use your favorite mix—blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or whatever’s in season for a burst of color and natural sweetness.
- Thick Bread (1 lb): Day-old, crusty bread works best for soaking up all the custard without getting soggy; challah, sourdough, or even whole grain are all fantastic choices.
- Applesauce or Mashed Banana (1 1/3 cups): Adds natural moisture and a gentle sweetness—perfect for binding everything together if you want a lighter, egg-free option.
- Milk of Choice (2/3 cup): Dairy or any non-dairy variety (almond, oat, soy)—make it your own!
- Egg Whites or More Milk (2/3 cup): Provides the classic custardy texture; using just milk keeps things vegan-friendly, while egg whites add extra protein.
- Pure Maple Syrup/Agave/Honey (1/4 cup): Brings a touch of rich sweetness with a flavor that complements the berries beautifully.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp, optional): Enhances all the flavors—skip it if your milk is already vanilla-flavored.
Variations
The Overnight Breakfast Casserole is wonderfully flexible, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! Whether you want to make it dairy-free, add more protein, or just use what’s in your fridge, it’s easy to adjust for any craving or need.
- Make It Vegan: Use non-dairy milk, swap egg whites for extra plant milk, and stick with applesauce or mashed banana for the binding.
- Add a Crunchy Top: Sprinkle chopped nuts, rolled oats, or coconut flakes over the berries for extra texture and nutty richness.
- Try Different Fruits: Toss in sliced peaches, apples, cherries, or even a handful of raisins for a brand-new twist on flavor.
- Swap the Syrup: Use agave or honey if you don’t have maple syrup—or try a dash of cinnamon in the custard for cozy bakery vibes.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread
If your bread isn’t already slightly dry, let it sit out uncovered for a day or, for a quick fix, bake the slices at 300°F for about 15 minutes. This step is the key to a casserole that soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy—think of it as giving your bread a head start to greatness!
Step 2: Layer and Flavor
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, then cut your dry bread into hearty 1-inch cubes. Scatter these evenly in the pan so every piece can soak up the delicious custard. In a bowl, whisk the applesauce (or banana), milk, egg whites (or more milk), maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and pourable—this is where all the magic comes in!
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each cube gets a taste. Top with a generous blanket of berries—don’t be shy here! Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. This slow soak lets every flavor meld beautifully while you sleep.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop the casserole on the center rack and bake for about 1 hour, until the bread is lightly golden and the berries are bubbling. Your kitchen will smell like the best bakery in town! Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, warm, or even chilled straight from the fridge.
Pro Tips for Making Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- The “Day-Old Bread” Secret: Not-too-fresh bread is your friend here—using dry bread ensures your casserole won’t turn out soggy but instead perfectly custardy and golden.
- Berry Placement Matters: Layer most berries on top for a juicy, jewel-toned finish—and sprinkle a few between bread layers if you like fruity pops throughout.
- Let It Soak Overnight: Give that custard plenty of chill time so the flavors seep into every bread cube—if you’re pressed for time, four hours will do in a pinch, but overnight is magic.
- Test for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the top is golden and the middle doesn’t jiggle—if you want a crisper top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end!
How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Top each slice of Overnight Breakfast Casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream, and a sprinkling of extra fresh berries for a gorgeous, bakery-style presentation. If you love a nutty crunch, toasted almonds or pecans add the perfect finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with crisp bacon, sizzling breakfast sausage, or oven-roasted potatoes to round out a hearty morning spread. For something lighter, serve alongside a simple green salad or a vibrant fruit salad—perfect for brunch gatherings where everyone brings a little something to share.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the casserole into cute squares and serving them on a cake stand for a festive touch. Or, portion it into ramekins for individual servings—a charming idea for showers or special brunches. A drizzle of maple syrup just before serving never fails to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the casserole has cooled, cover any leftovers and pop them into the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, making quick, delicious breakfasts or snacks a breeze all week long.
Freezing
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole freezes wonderfully! After baking, let it cool, cut into portions, and wrap tightly before freezing in an airtight container or bag. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a wonderful instant breakfast later on.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or cover and bake at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven taste. Add your favorite garnish just before serving and breakfast is ready!
FAQs
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Can I make Overnight Breakfast Casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread—it may soak up the custard more quickly, so you might want to reduce the soaking time just a bit. Everything else in the recipe stays the same.
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What kind of berries work best for this casserole?
You can use blueberries, raspberries, chopped strawberries, blackberries, or even a frozen berry mix—whatever you love or have on hand. Just avoid fruit with lots of extra juice, like thawed frozen strawberries, unless you drain them first.
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How far in advance can I assemble the casserole?
You can assemble Overnight Breakfast Casserole up to 24 hours ahead—keep it refrigerated and bake just before serving. The flavors only get better as they meld!
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Can I leave out the maple syrup or use less?
Yes! Feel free to reduce the amount of syrup or use a sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet casserole—especially if your berries or chosen bread are quite sweet already.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Overnight Breakfast Casserole a try—it’s so easy, forgiving, and absolutely delicious that I find myself coming back to it again and again. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a special brunch, it’s sure to bring smiles to your table. Enjoy each bite!
Print
Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 – 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish for a stress-free morning. Loaded with berries and a hint of sweetness, it’s a crowd-pleaser for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Berries:
- 6 cups berries (32 oz)
Bread Mixture:
- 1 lb thick bread
- 1 1/3 cup applesauce or mashed banana
- 2/3 cup milk of choice
- 2/3 cup egg whites or additional milk of choice
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave or honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Dry Out Bread: If bread is not already slightly hard, either let it sit uncovered for a day before using, or bake the slices at 300 F for 15 minutes so they dry out.
- Prepare Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and layer evenly in the pan. Whisk together the applesauce, milk, eggs, maple, and vanilla (omit if using vanilla flavored milk), then pour this mixture evenly over the bread. Spread the berries over the top.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 F, put the pan in the center rack, and bake for 1 hour or until the bread is lightly golden.
- Serve: Enjoy hot or cold.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by using your favorite type of bread and berries.
- Feel free to drizzle with extra maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approximately 220
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
- Sodium: Approximately 250mg
- Fat: Approximately 3g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 42g
- Fiber: Approximately 5g
- Protein: Approximately 7g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 5mg
