Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
The Overnight Breakfast Casserole is your one-pan ticket to a fuss-free, flavor-packed morning that’s equal parts delicious and convenient. Picture a beautifully golden and tender bake, bursting with juicy berries and aromatic vanilla, all nestled above layers of hearty bread. While it chills overnight in your fridge, the flavors deepen and mingle, so in the morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a hungry family, or just looking to treat yourself, this Overnight Breakfast Casserole makes any breakfast feel extra special with very little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Overnight Breakfast Casserole comes from just a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing something wonderful to the dish. From vibrant berries to crusty bread, every component adds layers of taste, texture, and color you’ll absolutely love.
- Berries: Use about 6 cups (or 32 ounces) of your favorite mix for a tart, juicy burst in every bite.
- Thick bread: One pound, ideally slightly stale or toasted – sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Applesauce (or mashed banana): 1 1/3 cups, adding subtle sweetness and moisture so the casserole stays tender.
- Milk (of choice): 2/3 cup brings creaminess and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Egg whites (or more milk): 2/3 cup to bind the casserole gently and give it that classic custardy texture.
- Pure maple syrup (agave or honey): 1/4 cup for natural sweetness and a hint of cozy caramel flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract (optional): 1 teaspoon, for a beautiful warm aroma that ties everything together.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread
If your bread isn’t already on the dry side, either leave it out, uncovered, for a day or pop the slices into a 300 F oven for about 15 minutes. Drier bread soaks up more custard, making every bite fluffy and flavorful without turning mushy.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Cut your bread into 1-inch pieces, then scatter them evenly in the prepared pan for a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, egg whites (or extra milk), maple syrup, and vanilla. This blend is where all the moisture and flavor starts, so whisk until everything is silky smooth.
Step 4: Pour and Top with Berries
Slowly pour your custard mixture over the diced bread, making sure to soak every piece. Then spread your fresh or frozen berries over the top to create pockets of color and tartness that pop through the golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your assembled casserole with foil or plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator overnight. This resting time gives the bread a chance to absorb all the custardy goodness and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Bake in the Morning
In the morning, simply preheat your oven to 350 F, uncover the casserole, and bake on the center rack for about an hour. When the top is lightly golden and the center springs back, it’s ready to come out and be enjoyed hot or cold!
How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a few fresh mint leaves to your sliced Overnight Breakfast Casserole just before serving. These finishing touches not only look gorgeous but also elevate every bite with a bright, fresh pop.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp breakfast potatoes, tangy Greek yogurt, or a platter of smoked bacon on the side. For a lighter spread, offer a simple fruit salad or a few slices of juicy citrus to complement the casserole’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut the Overnight Breakfast Casserole into neat squares for a brunch buffet, serve it family-style straight from the dish, or even use cookie cutters for fun shapes at a kid’s breakfast table. Try layering small portions into glass jars with extra berries and yogurt for a playful breakfast parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the excitement of breakfast, store any leftover Overnight Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors develop even more as it rests, making for a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
Want to prep even further ahead? This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best taste and texture, enjoy within two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your Overnight Breakfast Casserole, warm slices in a 350 F oven (covered with foil) for about 12 to 15 minutes, or zap individual pieces in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Either way, you’ll get back that cozy, freshly-baked warmth in no time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen berries straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. They may release a bit more juice, making the casserole even more moist and flavorful.
What’s the best bread for this Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
A sturdy, hearty loaf like French bread, sourdough, or a rustic country loaf works best. Soft sandwich breads tend to break down too much and turn soggy, so opt for something with structure.
Can I make this dairy free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat, and double-check your bread is dairy free. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it’s easy to adapt.
Is it possible to assemble and bake the same day?
If you’re short on time, you can let the casserole soak for just 1 to 2 hours instead of overnight. The flavors won’t be quite as developed, but you’ll still have a tasty, satisfying breakfast.
Can this work as a make-ahead dessert?
Definitely! The sweet custard and berries make this dish as perfect on a brunch table as they do served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about waking up to a warm, bubbling Overnight Breakfast Casserole. Whether you’re hosting guests or just making the most of a lazy morning, this recipe is easy, forgiving, and full of flavor. I can’t wait for you to make it your new breakfast tradition!
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Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. Packed with berries and a hint of sweetness, it’s a satisfying and nutritious breakfast option.
Ingredients
Berries:
- 6 cups berries (32 oz)
Bread:
- 1 lb thick bread
Wet Ingredients:
- 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
- Prepare 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 to dry out.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Cut bread into 1-inch pieces and layer evenly in the pan. Whisk together applesauce, milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the bread. Spread berries on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole in the center rack for about 1 hour or until bread is lightly golden.
- Serve: Enjoy hot or cold.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized with different types of bread and fruits.
- Feel free to top it with yogurt, nuts, or a drizzle of additional maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Overnight Breakfast Casserole, Make-Ahead Breakfast, Berries, Healthy Breakfast
