Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work perfectly in this recipe. No need to thaw them first - just spread them over the top as you would fresh berries. They might release a bit more liquid as they bake, but this adds wonderful flavor to the casserole.

What's the best type of bread to use?

The best options are slightly dense breads with some structure - think challah, brioche, French bread, or sourdough. These breads hold up well to the overnight soaking without disintegrating. Avoid very soft, processed sandwich breads which can become too mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite plant-based milk. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work wonderfully in this recipe. The egg whites can be replaced with additional plant milk if you want to make it fully vegan.

Can I prepare this more than one night in advance?

While overnight is ideal (8-12 hours of soaking), you can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance. Any longer than that and the bread might become too soggy. If you need to prep components further ahead, you can cut the bread and mix the wet ingredients separately, then combine them the night before baking.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Name: Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh berries (32oz); 1 lb thick bread, slightly hardened or toasted; 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, agave, or honey; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a game-changer for busy mornings! Imagine waking up to a delicious, berry-studded breakfast that practically makes itself while you sleep. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you’ll have a stunning, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or simply treating yourself to something special without the morning rush.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prep Ahead Magic: The hard work happens the night before, so your morning is stress-free and delicious.
Customizable: Works with whatever berries are in season or whatever bread you have on hand.
Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd with minimal effort, leaving you free to enjoy your company.
Family-Friendly: Sweet enough to please kids but wholesome enough to satisfy adults.
Naturally Sweet: Uses natural sweeteners and fruit for a healthier breakfast option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Berries: The star of the show! They add natural sweetness, gorgeous color, and nutritional benefits. Fresh or frozen work equally well.
Thick Bread: Creates the substantial base for soaking up all the delicious flavors. Day-old bread is perfect – slightly stale bread actually works better than fresh!
Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture without needing loads of oil or butter. Also helps bind everything together beautifully.
Milk of Choice: Use whatever milk you prefer – dairy or plant-based both work wonderfully here.
Egg Whites: Help set the casserole and provide protein. If you’re making a vegan version, just use more milk instead.
Maple Syrup: Adds a complex, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with berries. Honey or agave make great substitutes if preferred.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm aromatic notes. Optional but highly recommended!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Citrus Zing: Add lemon or orange zest to the liquid mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
Warm Spices: Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a cozy flavor profile.
Chocolate Lover’s: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the berries for an extra indulgent breakfast.

Dietary Adaptations

Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and skip the egg whites in favor of more milk.
Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free bread.
Extra Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the liquid mixture or sprinkle with nuts before baking.

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread

If your bread isn’t already slightly dry, either let it sit uncovered for a day before using, or toast the slices at 300°F for about 15 minutes. This helps the bread better absorb the custard mixture without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. Cut your bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and arrange them evenly in the pan. Make sure to create an even layer for consistent soaking.

Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, egg whites, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined. Take your time with this step to ensure everything is perfectly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine and Refrigerate

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces, making sure all bread gets some of that delicious liquid. Gently press down on the bread if needed to help it absorb. Spread your berries evenly across the top, creating a beautiful layer. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole on the center rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. The edges might get slightly crispy, which adds a wonderful textural contrast.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Berry Selection: Mix different berries for varied flavors and beautiful colors. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work wonderfully.
Bread Matters: Hearty breads like challah, brioche, or sourdough create the best texture. Avoid very soft sandwich bread which can become too mushy.
Even Distribution: Ensure the custard mixture gets into all the nooks and crannies of the bread for even flavor throughout.
Check for Doneness: Insert a knife in the center – it should come out mostly clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set up properly before serving.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this gorgeous breakfast casserole with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of additional maple syrup. For a complete breakfast spread, pair with:

Fresh fruit salad
Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for non-vegetarians
A pot of freshly brewed coffee or tea

Presentation Ideas

For special occasions, dust with a little powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finishing touch. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional berries for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to meld and develop, making day 2 sometimes even better than day 1!

Freezing

Individual portions freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating:

Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Toaster Oven: Great for smaller portions – heat until warmed through and slightly crisp on top.

Enjoy cold straight from the fridge for a different but equally delicious experience!

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work perfectly in this recipe. No need to thaw them first – just spread them over the top as you would fresh berries. They might release a bit more liquid as they bake, but this adds wonderful flavor to the casserole.
What’s the best type of bread to use?

The best options are slightly dense breads with some structure – think challah, brioche, French bread, or sourdough. These breads hold up well to the overnight soaking without disintegrating. Avoid very soft, processed sandwich breads which can become too mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite plant-based milk. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work wonderfully in this recipe. The egg whites can be replaced with additional plant milk if you want to make it fully vegan.
Can I prepare this more than one night in advance?

While overnight is ideal (8-12 hours of soaking), you can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance. Any longer than that and the bread might become too soggy. If you need to prep components further ahead, you can cut the bread and mix the wet ingredients separately, then combine them the night before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole truly delivers on both convenience and flavor. There’s something magical about putting in a little prep work at night and waking up to an almost-ready breakfast masterpiece. I love how versatile this recipe is – changing up the fruits or bread can create an entirely new experience each time. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just wanting to treat your family to something special without the morning rush, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your breakfast rotation!

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings. It’s packed with juicy berries, hearty bread, and a creamy mixture of applesauce, milk, and egg whites. Sweetened gently with maple syrup, this casserole is versatile, wholesome, and utterly delicious whether served hot or cold. Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

6 cups fresh berries (32oz)
1 lb thick bread, slightly hardened or toasted

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, agave, or honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread
If the bread is not slightly hard already, prepare it by letting the slices sit uncovered for a day or baking them at 300°F for 15 minutes until dry. This step ensures the bread holds up in the casserole and doesn’t become overly mushy.
Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Cut the hardened bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and layer them evenly in the pan.
Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg whites (or extra milk), maple syrup, and vanilla if desired. Vanilla can be omitted if using a flavored milk option.
Combine and Refrigerate
Pour the wet mixture evenly over the bread. Add the fresh berries evenly on top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the bread to soak in all the flavors.
Bake and Enjoy
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 1 hour or until the bread is lightly golden. Serve hot or cold, and enjoy!

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread.
You can swap berries for other fruits like chopped apples, peaches, or even chocolate chips for a twist.
To make this casserole vegan, replace the egg whites with additional non-dairy milk and ensure your bread is egg and dairy-free.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the wet mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.