Overnight Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Breakfast

An Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings when you want a satisfying breakfast without the hassle of cooking from scratch. With its layers of juicy berries, thick bread, and a flavorful, custard-like base, this casserole is a hearty and nutritious way to start your day. Best of all, you prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld together, so all you have to do in the morning is bake and enjoy. This recipe is incredibly versatile, as you can use applesauce or mashed bananas for added sweetness, and adjust the sweetness level to your preference with maple syrup or honey. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for a large group or making something special for yourself, this Overnight Breakfast Casserole will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Convenient Make-Ahead Option

You prepare this casserole the night before, saving you time in the morning and ensuring a hassle-free breakfast.

2. Flavorful and Nutritious

Packed with fresh berries, whole grains from thick bread, and a custard base, this casserole is both delicious and nourishing.

3. Customizable

You can easily adapt the recipe by using your favorite milk, sweeteners, or fruits, making it a versatile dish to suit different dietary preferences.

4. Perfect for Large Gatherings

This casserole makes eight servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a family brunch.

5. Light Yet Filling

The combination of fruit, bread, and eggs provides a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and light, without feeling overly heavy.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of berries (32 oz)
• 1 lb thick bread (such as brioche, challah, or sourdough)
• 1 1/3 cups applesauce (or mashed banana)
• 2/3 cup milk (of your choice)
• 2/3 cup egg whites (or additional milk)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or agave or honey)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute the egg whites with a plant-based egg replacement, such as a chia or flax egg, and use non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add Nuts or Seeds: Stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or sprinkle chia seeds on top for added texture and nutrition.
• Change the Fruit: Feel free to swap the berries with other fruits like diced apples, peaches, or even tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple.
• Spiced Version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the colder months.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting the thick bread into cubes. If you want a richer flavor, lightly toast the bread cubes in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to dry them out a bit.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, egg whites (or additional milk), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and layer the bottom with half of the bread cubes. Top with half of the berries, then repeat with the remaining bread cubes and berries. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layers of bread and fruit.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight (or for at least 4 hours). This allows the bread to absorb the custard, making it soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can drizzle additional maple syrup on top if desired or serve with whipped cream or yogurt for an extra indulgence.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Bread Choice: The type of bread you use makes a difference. Thick, hearty bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough holds up better and soaks up the custard more effectively.
• Let it Soak: Let the casserole sit in the fridge overnight to ensure that the bread cubes have absorbed the custard mixture fully.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or sweetener to your taste, depending on how sweet you want the casserole to be.
• Top with Toppings: Add extra toppings such as powdered sugar, nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for a finishing touch.

How to Serve

Serve this Overnight Breakfast Casserole warm, straight from the oven. You can drizzle extra maple syrup over the top, or serve it with a side of whipped cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a hot cup of coffee for a complete breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in the oven.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the casserole into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container. The casserole will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, you can either microwave individual servings for a quick breakfast or bake the entire casserole in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using them in the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make this casserole without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the egg whites with a plant-based egg replacement or additional milk for a dairy-free, egg-free version.

3. Can I use regular bread instead of thick bread?

Thick, hearty bread works best because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. However, if you use regular bread, you may need to reduce the soaking time to avoid overly mushy bread.

4. How can I make the casserole less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of maple syrup or sweetener in the recipe and adjust according to your taste.

5. Can I prepare this casserole in the morning and bake it the same day?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to let the casserole soak overnight. However, you can prepare it in the morning and let it sit for at least 4 hours in the fridge before baking.

6. Can I use mashed bananas instead of applesauce?

Yes, you can use mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. It will give the casserole a slight banana bread flavor.

7. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk (like almond, coconut, or oat milk) and use a dairy-free sweetener like agave if desired.

8. How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?

Make sure the bread is thick and slightly dried out, either by toasting it lightly or using stale bread, to help it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.

9. Can I add nuts or seeds to the casserole?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the casserole either in the custard mixture or sprinkled on top before baking for extra crunch.

10. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

Conclusion

Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate solution for a delicious and stress-free breakfast. With its layers of hearty bread, fresh berries, and a rich, custard-like filling, this casserole is both nutritious and indulgent. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time, making mornings a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet breakfast, this casserole is sure to be a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

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