If you are looking for a warm, comforting breakfast that feels indulgent without the hassle, then you absolutely need to try this Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe. Imagine waking up to a fragrant, custardy baked delight filled with soft brioche bread cubes soaked in a fragrant mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and rich whole milk—all effortlessly cooked in your slow cooker. This is the perfect dish for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches, offering days-old bread a new life and flavors that make every bite cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe. From the buttery brioche cubes to the warming spices, every element combines to make this dish glow with comfort and sweetness.
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread: Cubed into 1-2 inch pieces, day-old brioche soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- 6 eggs: Beaten to bind the custard and add rich texture to the casserole.
- 2¼ cups whole milk: The creamy base that makes the casserole luxuriously moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the custard.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with the classic warm spice that everyone loves in French toast.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a hint of nutty aroma balancing the cinnamon perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Sprinkled on top for a hint of caramelized sweetness when baked.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Cut into cubes to dot over the casserole, melting into pockets of rich butteriness.
How to Make Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread Base
Start by greasing a slow cooker insert that’s 5 quarts or larger. Add your cubed brioche bread evenly into the bottom. Using day-old bread here is key because it holds up better during soaking and cooking, giving you that perfect custard-soaked texture.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. This mixture creates the creamy custard that will soak into every inch of your bread cubes, blending flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Press down gently to help the bread fully submerge and soak up all those rich flavors. Cover and place the insert in your refrigerator for at least one hour. For even better results, you can soak it overnight. This step is what turns simple bread into a luscious, baked dessert-like breakfast.
Step 4: Add Sweet Toppings
Once soaked, sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly across the surface for a lovely, caramelized crust. Dot the top with small cubes of unsalted butter, which will melt into the casserole as it cooks, creating pockets of heavenly buttery richness.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook the casserole either on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 4 hours. You’ll want to watch for the custard to fully set and for the bread to be tender but not soggy. This slow, gentle cooking process makes the dish incredibly moist and sumptuous.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, serve immediately for the best texture and taste. This dish pairs beautifully with maple syrup, fresh fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate those comforting flavors even more.
How to Serve Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can take this casserole to the next level. Fresh berries or sliced bananas bring a burst of natural sweetness and color. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while a drizzle of maple syrup is always a classic final touch that makes the dish irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve this Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast that complements the sweet, custardy flavors. A simple side of fresh fruit salad can also provide a refreshing balance and brighten up your breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your casserole into a brunch centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins or mini cocottes for personal portions. Layer the casserole with nuts or swirl in a berry compote for added texture and visual appeal. You could even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt on top for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes fantastic cold or gently warmed, making it a perfect ready-made breakfast for busy mornings.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, portion it out and freeze individual servings wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you want a quick breakfast, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat the next day.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to keep the custard creamy and avoid drying out the bread. An oven at 350°F works well for 15-20 minutes to crisp the edges while keeping the center soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery texture, you can substitute challah, French bread, or even thick-sliced sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale so it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
Is it necessary to soak the bread overnight?
Soaking for at least an hour is essential, but overnight soaking allows the bread to absorb even more flavor and moisture, resulting in a richer and more custardy casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole without a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the casserole in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes until set and golden on top. Just cover with foil at first to avoid over-browning.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the custard is set and no longer jiggly in the center. Inserting a knife should come out clean. The edges will be slightly golden, and the top should look firm and lightly caramelized.
Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh berries to the custard mixture before cooking. A splash of orange zest or a handful of chocolate chips can also add delightful twists to this classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe is a perfect combination of ease and deliciousness that will quickly become a go-to in your brunch rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weekday treat. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed mornings without it. So gather your ingredients and slow cooker, and give this cozy dish a whirl—you’re going to love every warm, cinnamon-spiced bite!
Print
Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. Cubed brioche bread is soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices, then slow-cooked to create a creamy and custardy texture. Topped with brown sugar and butter, it bakes to golden perfection without the need for an oven, making it an easy, hands-off recipe that’s delicious served with maple syrup or fruit compote.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread, cut into 1-2” cubes (day old works best)
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 2¼ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Grease a 5-quart or larger slow cooker insert and add the cubed brioche bread evenly across the bottom, ensuring the bread is spread out for even soaking.
- Mix the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the slow cooker. Gently press the bread cubes down to fully submerge them in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker insert and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture; you can also soak it overnight for deeper flavor.
- Add topping: After soaking, sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the surface of the soaked bread. Dot the top with small cubes of unsalted butter distributed evenly to create a rich, caramelized topping.
- Cook the casserole: Place the slow cooker insert back into the slow cooker unit. Cover and cook on high heat for 1 to 2 hours, or on low heat for 2 to 4 hours, until the egg mixture is set and the bread is cooked through. The casserole should be golden and slightly firm.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the French toast casserole warm immediately. Complement it with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without becoming overly mushy.
- Soaking the bread overnight enhances the flavor and texture; however, the recipe can be made with just 1 hour of soaking if short on time.
- Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model, as temperatures may vary.
- For a richer dish, substitute some of the whole milk with heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
