Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. Loaded with mixed berries and a custard-soaked bread base, it offers a sweet, fruity, and comforting start to the day. Prep it the night before and wake up to a warm, golden-baked casserole that’s perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound thick bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/3 cups applesauce or mashed banana
- 2/3 cup milk of choice
- 2/3 cup egg whites or additional milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, agave, or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: If your bread is not slightly stale, dry it out by leaving it uncovered for a day or bake it at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes to remove moisture and help it absorb the custard better.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and evenly place the bread cubes inside the dish.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, egg whites (or additional milk), your sweetener of choice (maple syrup, agave, or honey), and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are well soaked to ensure a moist, custardy texture.
- Add the Berries: Scatter the mixed berries evenly over the top of the soaked bread mixture for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator overnight so the bread can absorb the custard mixture completely, resulting in a flavorful and tender casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 1 hour, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the center is set and firm.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps absorb the custard better and prevents the casserole from becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to substitute applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor and natural sweetness.
- You can use any type of milk — dairy or plant-based — to suit your dietary needs.
- Choose your preferred sweetener: maple syrup, agave, or honey all work well.
- Optional vanilla extract adds a subtle aromatic hint but can be omitted if desired.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle some nuts or granola on top before baking.
