Name: Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: 6 cups bread cubes (brioche, sourdough, or gluten-free bread); 2 cups milk (or plant-based milk); 1 cup applesauce or mashed banana; 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional); 1 tsp cinnamon (optional); 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (thawed and blotted dry if frozen)

When mornings are chaotic, but you still want a hearty, homemade breakfast, this overnight breakfast casserole comes to the rescue. Imagine waking up to the scent of warm cinnamon, sweet berries, and golden baked bread filling the kitchen—all with zero morning prep. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weekdays, leisurely weekend brunches, or those big family gatherings when you want to serve something delicious without the hassle.

What makes this casserole so magical? It’s flexible, easy to customize, and works for nearly every diet. With just five main ingredients—bread, berries, milk, applesauce (or banana), and a sweetener like maple syrup—you’ll have a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy. Plus, you can prep it the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is pop it into the oven.

The best part? This dish is endlessly adaptable. From classic berry flavors to indulgent cinnamon roll variations, there’s a version for everyone. And whether you need a gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie option, this recipe can handle it all. Trust me—it’s about to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re still wondering why this casserole deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation, here are a few reasons:

Convenient and Time-Saving: Prep it the night before, let it chill in the fridge, and bake it in the morning. No frantic rushing to cook breakfast!
Customizable: Choose your favorite fruits, bread, and flavors to make it your own. From tropical-inspired to indulgent chocolate chip, the possibilities are endless.
Diet-Friendly: Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or watching your calorie intake, this casserole can be adjusted to fit your needs.
Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s just as suitable for a casual weekday breakfast as it is for hosting brunch or bringing to a potluck.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone—from kids to adults—will devour this dish. Serve it with toppings like whipped cream, maple syrup, or fresh fruit, and you’ll have a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple with a short list of pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread: Use sturdy bread like brioche, sourdough, French baguette, or challah for the best texture. Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
Milk: Regular milk, plant-based options (like almond, oat, or soy milk), or even coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Applesauce or Banana: Acts as a binder and adds natural sweetness. Bananas create a slightly denser texture, while applesauce keeps it light.
Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup are perfect for adding sweetness. If you’re going for a sugar-free option, stevia or monk fruit work well.
Berries: Fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) are great. If using frozen, thaw and blot them dry to avoid extra moisture.

Optional ingredients to elevate your casserole:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Perfect for cozy, spiced flavor.
Chocolate Chips or Nuts: For extra indulgence and crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this overnight breakfast casserole is incredibly easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep the Bread: Start by cutting your bread into small, bite-sized cubes. If your bread isn’t stale, dry it out by spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and placing them in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes. This step ensures the bread absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy.

2. Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, sweetener, and any additional flavors like vanilla or cinnamon. Make sure the mixture is well combined.

3. Layer the Casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish, then spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the pieces are well soaked. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.

4. Add the Toppings: Scatter your berries (or other mix-ins) over the top of the casserole. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or some chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent.

5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight. This gives the bread time to soak up all the flavors.

6. Bake: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the oven heats up. Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into squares and serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Recipe Variations

This overnight breakfast casserole is a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

Apple Cinnamon: Swap the berries for diced apples and mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon. Perfect for fall mornings!
Tropical: Use pineapple chunks, coconut milk, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a beachy vibe.
Chocolate Chip: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks for a sweet treat.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace the applesauce with canned pumpkin and add pumpkin pie spice. Ideal for cozy autumn breakfasts.
Cinnamon Roll: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla over the baked casserole for a cinnamon roll-inspired twist.

Tips for the Best Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Choose the Right Bread: Sturdier breads like sourdough or brioche hold up better during soaking and baking. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can become mushy.
Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, giving you a more uniform texture.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the bread to soak up all the liquid, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Customize to Your Diet: For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and replace the sweetener with maple syrup. Gluten-free bread works perfectly for those avoiding gluten.
Watch the Baking Time: Check the casserole after 45 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining baking time.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Slice the baked casserole into portions and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 325°F and bake for about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This recipe is surprisingly healthy while feeling indulgent:

Calories: 120
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g

Final Thoughts

The overnight breakfast casserole is everything you could want in a breakfast recipe: easy, delicious, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with endless ways to adapt it, you’ll never get bored.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to make it your own! I’d love to see your variations, so tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below. Happy cooking!