Looking for an easy way to impress your family or friends at breakfast time? The Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a vibrant, fruit-packed dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Juicy berries and wholesome bread are drenched in a subtly sweet, creamy custard, all working together after a night in the fridge to become a golden, crowd-pleasing breakfast center stage. Whether you have a houseful of overnight guests or want to make your morning routine easier and tastier, this recipe truly delivers comfort and color in every bite.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Overnight Breakfast Casserole is how each ingredient offers not just flavor, but unique texture and color too. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters to the final bake:

6 cups berries (32 oz): These burst with bright flavor and juicy pops of color, making the casserole cheerful and naturally sweet.

1 lb thick bread: Day-old, hearty bread soaks up the custard and holds its shape, giving the dish that classic, pillowy texture.
1 1/3 cup applesauce or mashed banana: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness while keeping things lighter (and egg-free if you opt out of egg whites).

2/3 cup milk of choice: Choose your favorite dairy or non-dairy option as the creamy base that ties the custard together.
2/3 cup egg whites or additional milk of choice: Egg whites add lightness and binding, but you can use more milk for an egg-free version.

1/4 cup pure maple syrup, agave, or honey: Brings a touch of sweetness that highlights the fruit without overwhelming the casserole.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional): Deepens the overall flavor and adds a subtle aromatic note, especially if using unflavored milk.

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Dry Out the Bread

Start by making sure your bread is slightly hard. If it’s fresh and soft, you can let the slices sit out, uncovered, for a day, or place them on a baking sheet at 300 F for about 15 minutes. This little trick helps the bread soak up every drop of the sweet, silky custard without getting soggy when the time comes to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan with coconut oil, butter, or a nonstick spray of your choice. You don’t want any of that beautiful Overnight Breakfast Casserole clinging to the sides! Cut your dried bread into bite-sized, one-inch pieces and layer them evenly into the pan, giving a sturdy base for all the other flavors.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or banana), milk, egg whites (or more milk), maple syrup, and vanilla extract if using. This mixture should be smooth and well-combined, as it will seep into every cranny of the bread, infusing it with a delicate sweetness and richness.

Step 4: Assemble and Soak Overnight

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces, making sure every cube gets a taste. Then, scatter your berries on top—don’t skimp! Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. The magic happens while you sleep; the bread drinks up the custard, the berries mingle, and all the flavors intensify for a perfect ready-to-bake breakfast.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

The next morning, simply preheat your oven to 350 F. Take the casserole straight from the fridge to the center oven rack, and bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the bread is puffed and golden, and the kitchen smells heavenly. Serve it hot for ultimate coziness, or enjoy cold leftovers for an easy snack later in the day.

How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Take your Overnight Breakfast Casserole over the top by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a scoop of creamy yogurt right before serving. A handful of toasted nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon can add a subtle crunch and fragrant aroma that pairs beautifully with the warm berries.

Side Dishes

Balance out your breakfast table with light and simple sides. Fresh orange slices, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even a platter of scrambled eggs can round out the meal, making the Overnight Breakfast Casserole feel like a full brunch spread. And of course, don’t forget hot coffee or a pot of tea!

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try slicing the casserole into squares and serving them in individual bowls with extra fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re hosting a brunch, you can bake the mixture in muffin tins for adorable, single-serving breakfast cups. The casserole also pairs beautifully with edible flowers or mint sprigs as a fresh and festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Overnight Breakfast Casserole keeps beautifully for up to four days in the refrigerator. Just cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. The flavors blend even more after a day, ensuring every forkful stays moist and delicious.

Freezing

If you’re planning for the long haul, this casserole is totally freezer-friendly. Once baked and cooled, slice it into portions, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, and store in a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months, making it a go-to for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Reheat single pieces in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or refresh larger amounts covered in a 350 F oven until warmed through. For an extra treat, crisp up individual slices under the broiler for a minute or two—this brings back the toastiness and makes it feel just-baked!

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes! You don’t need to thaw them first—just scatter frozen berries right over the bread as directed. They’ll bake up juicy and delicious, perfect for this Overnight Breakfast Casserole.

What’s the best bread to use?

A thick, crusty loaf like French bread, challah, or sourdough works wonders. Softer sandwich breads won’t hold up as well after soaking, so steer toward heartier varieties for perfect texture.

Is this recipe dairy free?

Absolutely, if you use a non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy. It’s just as creamy and luscious as the classic version, and the Overnight Breakfast Casserole will still taste amazing.

Can I assemble it the same day instead of overnight?

While overnight soaking gives the casserole its signature texture and flavor, a few hours in the fridge will do the trick if you’re pressed for time. Aim for at least 3-4 hours so the bread has a chance to absorb the custard.

What else can I add to customize this recipe?

Feel free to get creative! Swirl in a little cream cheese, add some chopped nuts for crunch, or sprinkle chocolate chips for an extra treat. This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic canvas for all sorts of flavor surprises.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Overnight Breakfast Casserole enough—it’s a stress-free way to treat yourself and loved ones to a warm, satisfying breakfast any day of the week. Whip it up before bed and wake up to something truly special, with hardly any work in the morning. Give it a whirl, and enjoy every fruity, custardy bite!

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 3 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. It combines juicy berries with tender bread soaked in a sweet, custard-like mixture for a delightful breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Berries:

6 cups berries (32 oz)

Bread:

1 lb thick bread

Custard Mixture:

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

Dry Out 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 so they dry out.
Prepare Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and layer evenly in the pan. Whisk together the applesauce, milk, eggs, maple, and vanilla (omit if using vanilla flavored milk), then pour this mixture evenly over the bread. Spread the berries over the top.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight.

Bake: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 F, put the pan in the center rack, and bake for 1 hour or until the bread is lightly golden.
Serve: Enjoy hot or cold.

Notes

You can customize this casserole by using your favorite berries or adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

This dish is perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 240
Sugar: 20g

Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g

Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g

Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, berry casserole, breakfast bake