Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and easy make-ahead breakfast featuring mixed berries, bread cubes soaked in a sweetened custard mixture, and baked to a golden perfection. It’s perfect for busy mornings or serving guests and offers a delicious balance of fruity freshness and comforting bread pudding flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 6 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
Bakery
- 1 pound thick bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Dairy & Refrigerated
- 2/3 cup milk of choice
- 2/3 cup egg whites or additional milk
Pantry
- 1 1/3 cups applesauce or mashed banana
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, agave, or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: If the bread isn’t slightly stale, dry it out by leaving it uncovered for a day or by baking it at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes to ensure it soaks up the custard mixture properly.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then place the bread cubes evenly in the dish to create an even layer.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg whites (or additional milk), sweetener, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making certain all pieces are thoroughly soaked to absorb the flavors.
- Add the Berries: Scatter the mixed berries evenly over the top of the soaked bread, adding vibrant color and fruity flavor to the casserole.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This resting period allows the bread to absorb the custard deeply for a tender texture.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the top turns lightly golden and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or cold according to your preference.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread is key to prevent sogginess; drying it out ensures it absorbs the custard properly.
- You can substitute the applesauce with mashed banana for a different natural sweetness and texture.
- Choice of milk can be dairy or any plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight to save time in the morning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
