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

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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg