Description
Overnight breakfast casserole brings simple comfort to your morning table, packed with protein and flavor that wakes up sleepy taste buds. Grab fresh ingredients, layer them lovingly, and wake up to a delicious breakfast that practically makes itself while you dream.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups whole grain or sprouted bread
- 1.5 cups plant-based milk
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup mixed berries
Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts
- Seeds (chia, flax, or pumpkin)
- Coconut flakes
- Extra berries
Instructions
- Coat a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Distribute 6 cups of cubed whole grain bread across the bottom of the dish.
- Combine 1½ cups plant-based milk, 2 mashed bananas, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture looks completely smooth.
- Gently pour the liquid over your bread cubes. Press the bread down softly so it absorbs all the liquid evenly.
- Scatter 1 cup of mixed berries across the top of your casserole. If you like, add chopped nuts, seeds, or coconut flakes for extra crunch.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place in your refrigerator and let it rest for 8 full hours or overnight.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Unwrap the dish and slide it into the oven.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center looks set and firm.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, adding an extra drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Select a day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the liquid mixture, ensuring a more custard-like texture in your casserole.
- Experiment with different berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend to customize the flavor profile and add natural sweetness.
- For a protein boost, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top before baking, which provides a nice crunch and nutritional value.
- Dairy-free and vegan diets are easily supported by using plant-based milk and ensuring all ingredients are plant-derived, making this recipe incredibly adaptable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg