Start your day off with something sweet, hearty, and nutritious! This overnight breakfast casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a balanced meal in the morning without the stress of cooking. The combination of fresh berries, thick bread, and a touch of maple syrup creates a delightful dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in the fact that you can prepare it the night before and just pop it into the oven the next morning. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will make mornings easier and more delicious.

With a base of thick bread soaked in applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, egg whites, and maple syrup, this casserole is naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients. The berries add a burst of flavor and freshness to each bite, and the entire dish is baked to perfection with a golden top. This overnight breakfast casserole is not only tasty but also flexible—feel free to switch up the fruits or even add some nuts or spices to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Make-Ahead Convenience

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings. Simply assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it in the morning for an easy, hassle-free breakfast.

2. Customizable

Feel free to swap out the berries for your favorite fruit, use different types of bread, or switch up the sweeteners to suit your preferences.

3. Healthy and Nutritious

With applesauce (or mashed banana) and egg whites, this casserole is a lighter, healthier option compared to traditional breakfast casseroles, without sacrificing flavor.

4. Perfect for a Crowd

This casserole serves up to 8 people, making it a great choice for family gatherings, brunches, or potlucks.

5. Balanced Breakfast

With fruit, whole grains, and protein from egg whites, this breakfast casserole is a balanced and energizing way to start your day.

Ingredients

6 cups berries (32 oz)
1 lb thick bread
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)

Variations

Use Different Fruits: Swap out the berries for other fruits like sliced apples, pears, or peaches. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) over the casserole before baking.
Spice It Up: Add some cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor, perfect for colder months.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk) and ensure your bread is dairy-free for a completely vegan-friendly casserole.
Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level by increasing or decreasing the amount of maple syrup, or substitute with agave or honey.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the thick bread into cubes and layer it evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Berries

Top the bread with the fresh berries, spreading them evenly over the cubes.

Step 3: Make the Liquid Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, egg whites, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the bread and berries, ensuring all of the bread is soaked. Press down gently to make sure the bread absorbs the liquid.

Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.

Step 7: Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with additional fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Stale Bread: If you have leftover bread or stale bread, it’s perfect for this casserole. It will soak up the liquid better and hold its shape during baking.
Make it Extra Fluffy: For a fluffier texture, add a few more egg whites or use whole eggs instead of just egg whites.
Overnight Soaking is Key: Let the casserole soak overnight to allow the bread to absorb the liquid fully. This ensures a soft, pudding-like texture.

How to Serve

For Breakfast: Serve it warm, straight out of the oven, topped with additional berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
With Yogurt: Pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt for an extra boost of protein.
As a Brunch Dish: This casserole is perfect for brunches or family gatherings. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a light salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. For baked casserole, freeze individual portions and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen berries will work in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any type of thick, hearty bread like challah, brioche, or whole wheat bread will work in this casserole.

3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it the next day?

Yes! That’s the beauty of this recipe—just assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake it the next morning.

4. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free milk and choosing a non-dairy sweetener.

5. How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make this casserole vegan, replace the egg whites with a flax egg or chia egg, and use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.

7. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

8. Can I add nuts to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

9. Can I use mashed banana instead of applesauce?

Yes, mashed banana works as a great substitute for applesauce in this recipe. It will add a hint of sweetness and a nice texture.

10. Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave, honey, or another sweetener of your choice.

Conclusion

This overnight breakfast casserole is a simple yet delicious way to start your day. With the perfect blend of fresh berries, soft bread, and a creamy, slightly sweet base, it’s a breakfast that’s both indulgent and nutritious. Plus, the make-ahead convenience means you can prepare it the night before and enjoy it without any morning stress. Whether it’s for a busy weekday breakfast or a special brunch, this casserole will make everyone’s morning a little sweeter.