Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that combines the rich flavors of brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard and slow-cooked to a tender, fluffy perfection. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and offers a warm, comforting start to your day, especially great for busy mornings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Add the cubed brioche bread to the bottom of a greased 5-quart or larger slow cooker insert, ensuring the pieces are evenly distributed.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then gently press the bread down to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker insert and refrigerate for 1 hour (or overnight) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Add Toppings: After soaking, evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar over the top of the bread, then dot with the cubes of unsalted butter.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours, or on low for 2 to 4 hours, until the bread and egg mixture is fully cooked and the top is set.
- Serve: Serve the French toast casserole immediately, paired with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Using day-old brioche bread helps absorb the custard better without becoming overly soggy.
- The soaking step in the refrigerator is essential for a custardy, rich texture—don’t skip or shorten this if possible.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; check doneness by ensuring the center is set and no liquid remains.
- Feel free to add fresh berries or nuts on top before serving for added texture and flavor.
- This casserole can also be prepared the night before and cooked fresh in the morning for convenience.
