Apple Breakfast Casserole: Easy Holiday Brunch Must-Have!

Tired of stressing over holiday morning meals that leave you stuck in the kitchen instead of enjoying time with family? This Apple Breakfast Casserole is about to become your holiday breakfast game-changer! Packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, pillowy bread, and a custard that bakes to perfection, this make-ahead wonder delivers everything you want in a festive morning meal without the fuss.

In this guide, you’ll discover why this apple breakfast casserole deserves a permanent spot in your holiday recipe collection, how to select the best apples, and step-by-step instructions for preparing this crowd-pleaser the night before. Plus, I’ll share my time-tested variations and serving suggestions to make your holiday brunch truly memorable.

Why This Apple Breakfast Casserole Works

• Prep ahead convenience – assemble the night before and bake in the morning
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Sweet apple flavor balances perfectly with warm spices
• Feeds a crowd with minimal effort – perfect for holiday gatherings
• Versatile recipe that can be easily customized to taste preferences

Choosing the Right Apples for Breakfast Casserole

Best Apple Varieties for Baking

The perfect apple breakfast casserole starts with selecting the right apples. For best results, choose varieties that hold their shape when baked while offering a balance of sweetness and tartness:

• Honeycrisp: Offers the ideal sweet-tart balance with excellent texture
• Granny Smith: Provides tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the casserole
• Braeburn: Maintains firmness while baking with a hint of spice
• Pink Lady: Offers sweetness with enough acidity to maintain flavor when baked

Apple Selection Tips

When shopping for your apple breakfast casserole ingredients:

• Choose firm apples with no soft spots
• Look for fruits with vibrant color and tight skin
• Select medium-sized apples for easier, uniform cutting
• Mix two varieties (one sweet, one tart) for complex flavor

Substitutions

Don’t have the recommended apple varieties? No problem! You can substitute:

• Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter profile
• Jonathan or McIntosh for softer texture (though they’ll break down more)
• Pears can work in a pinch for a different but delicious flavor profile

Apple Breakfast Casserole Ingredients & Prep

Apple Prep Essentials

Proper apple preparation ensures your breakfast casserole bakes evenly:

1. Wash apples thoroughly under cool running water
2. Peel completely (though you can leave peels on for rustic texture)
3. Core and slice into ¼-inch thick, uniform pieces
4. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning if not using immediately

Key Ingredients for Apple Breakfast Casserole

• Bread Base

  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French, brioche, or challah work beautifully)
  • 2 tablespoons butter for greasing baking dish

• Apple Filling

  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Looking for more holiday breakfast options? Check out my No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread for another crowd-pleaser!

Step-by-Step Apple Breakfast Casserole Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Apple Breakfast Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
3. In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
4. Distribute the spiced apple mixture over the bread cubes.

Assembling the Apple Breakfast Casserole

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing bread down gently to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (this is what makes it perfect for holidays!).

Baking Your Apple Breakfast Casserole

1. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Uncover the casserole and bake for 45-50 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
4. Insert a knife in the center to check doneness – it should come out clean.

Serving the Apple Breakfast Casserole

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up properly and makes serving easier. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Breakfast Casserole

Avoiding Soggy Casserole

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption without sogginess
• Ensure apples are patted dry after washing to reduce excess moisture
• Don’t skip the overnight soak – it allows flavors to meld perfectly
• Bake until the center is just set, but not dry

Tool Recommendations

• Glass or ceramic baking dish provides even heating
• Apple corer/slicer speeds up prep time significantly
• Serrated knife works best for cutting the finished casserole
• Instant-read thermometer (casserole is done at 160°F internal temperature)

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds
• For best texture, reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes
• Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating

Find more breakfast inspiration on my Pinterest page where I’ve collected dozens of holiday breakfast and brunch ideas you’ll love!

Flavor Variations for Apple Breakfast Casserole

Sweet Indulgence

• Caramel Apple: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving
• Streusel Topped: Mix ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup flour, 4 tablespoons cold butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle over casserole before baking
• Apple-Cranberry: Add ½ cup dried cranberries to the apple mixture

Healthy Alternatives

• Whole Grain: Use whole wheat bread instead of white
• Lower Sugar: Reduce maple syrup and use Stevia-sweetened apple mixture
• Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter

Seasonal Flavors

• Autumn Spice: Add ¼ teaspoon each of ginger and allspice to the apple mixture
• Winter Citrus: Include orange zest in the custard mixture
• Harvest: Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

Serving Suggestions for Apple Breakfast Casserole

This apple breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing contrast
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for savory balance
• Yogurt parfait bar for a complete brunch spread
• Hot coffee, spiced cider, or mimosas for holiday cheer

For a complete holiday breakfast spread, serve alongside my No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread for a savory contrast.

Apple Breakfast Casserole FAQs

Can I make this apple breakfast casserole without overnight refrigeration?
While the overnight soak produces the best texture, you can reduce it to 2 hours if you’re short on time. The bread won’t absorb the custard as thoroughly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use different fruits in this breakfast casserole?
Absolutely! Pears work wonderfully, and berries (fresh or frozen) make excellent substitutions or additions. Just be aware that berries may release more liquid during baking.

How do I know when my apple breakfast casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole should be golden brown on top, puffed in the center, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean. An instant-read thermometer should register 160°F in the center.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes! Cube the bread and store in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Prepare the apple mixture and custard separately and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before assembling.

Conclusion

This Apple Breakfast Casserole truly delivers holiday magic in every bite – warm cinnamon-spiced apples, custard-soaked bread, and make-ahead convenience that lets you enjoy more time with loved ones. It’s the perfect solution for busy holiday mornings when you want to impress without the stress.

Try this recipe this holiday season and join thousands of home cooks who have made it their go-to special occasion breakfast! For more delicious morning treats, don’t miss my Heavenly Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls – another crowd-pleasing favorite.

What’s your favorite holiday breakfast tradition? This apple breakfast casserole might just become your new one!