If you are searching for a warm, comforting breakfast that practically makes itself, this Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine luscious cubes of brioche soaked in a fragrant custard of eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, slowly cooked to golden perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect combination of soft, creamy, and slightly caramelized textures that come together with minimal hands-on time. Whether it’s for a busy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, this casserole has become one of my absolute favorites to make and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a show-stopping dish that’s rich, flavorful, and comforting. Each element plays its part: the brioche adds tenderness and a buttery flavor, warm spices deepen the aroma, and the slow cooker does all the magic of baking without any fuss.
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread: Use day-old if possible, as it soaks up the custard better and holds its shape during cooking.
- 6 eggs (beaten): These provide the rich custard base that binds the casserole with velvety texture.
- 2¼ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps make the custard smooth and luscious.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that pairs beautifully with cinnamon to elevate the dish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a caramelized, slightly crispy finish.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes): Melts over the casserole during cooking, adding richness and a golden glaze.
How to Make Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base
Start by greasing your slow cooker insert and layering the cubed brioche evenly on the bottom. Using a 5-quart slow cooker or larger is ideal to give the bread enough space to absorb the custard without overcrowding.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This fragrant blend of spices and aromas will soak into the bread, creating the dreamiest custard texture and flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the slow cooker. Press the bread gently down into the liquid, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover and chill the casserole in the refrigerator for at least one hour. If you have time, soaking overnight is even better, allowing the bread to become saturated and ready to bake.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Topping
Once your bread has soaked, sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the top of the bread mixture. Dot with cubes of unsalted butter to provide pockets of richness and a lovely buttery finish after baking.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 4 hours. The casserole is done when the custard is set and the top turns golden with a slight caramelized texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is firm to the touch and smells incredible!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot right from the crockpot with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible breakfast or brunch treat.
How to Serve Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe with garnishes that add freshness and contrast. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a vibrant pop of color and a tart brightness that balances the sweet, custardy casserole. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm maple syrup is classic, but you can also experiment with chopped nuts for crunch or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides. Crisp breakfast sausages or smoky bacon offer savory depth, while a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint. For a fruitier option, a fresh fruit salad or a chilled fruit compote works wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes a difference, especially if you’re serving this to guests. Serve the casserole straight from the crockpot in a pretty kitchen to table slow cooker or transfer it to a rustic ceramic dish for a cozier feel. For a festive touch, add edible flowers or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top just before serving. Layering on different syrups—like caramel or berry syrup—can also make the dish feel extra special and tailored to your taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and make for an easy, tasty breakfast the next morning. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to prepare ahead of time. Cool it completely and then cut into portions before wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen portions can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat your Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for a crispier texture on top. A little extra butter or syrup added after reheating always helps revive that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness and texture, challah or Texas toast also work wonderfully. Just make sure the bread is day-old or lightly stale to help it absorb the custard better.
Do I have to soak the bread overnight?
Soaking overnight is best for maximum custard absorption and flavor melding, but even soaking for one hour in the fridge will produce delicious results if you’re short on time.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the casserole before cooking?
Yes! Adding chopped apples, berries, or nuts like pecans before cooking can add wonderful texture and flavor surprises in every bite. Just sprinkle them evenly over the bread before pouring the custard.
What if my slow cooker is smaller than 5 quarts?
If your slow cooker is smaller, try reducing the recipe proportionally to avoid overcrowding, which can affect how evenly the casserole cooks.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute whole milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter to keep it friendly for those with dietary restrictions, though the texture may differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and effortlessly delicious about this Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe that makes it a go-to for cozy mornings and gatherings alike. The ease of slow cooking combined with the rich, spiced custard-soaked brioche creates a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a prized recipe in your breakfast or brunch rotation. I promise, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
Print
Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (average on low setting)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a comforting, make-ahead breakfast dish featuring brioche bread soaked in a flavorful mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and warm spices, then slow-cooked to a soft, custardy perfection. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, it offers a hands-off cooking experience and deliciously tender results topped with brown sugar and butter.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 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 an even layer for soaking.
- Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and fragrant.
- Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Gently press the bread down to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker insert and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly; alternatively, you may leave it covered overnight for enhanced flavor.
- 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 1-2 hours or on low for 2-4 hours, until the egg mixture is fully set and the casserole is cooked through but still moist.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the French toast casserole immediately while warm, topped with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar according to your preference.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming overly mushy.
- Letting the casserole soak overnight intensifies the flavors and improves texture.
- Adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker model, as temperatures can vary slightly.
- Feel free to add fresh berries or nuts before cooking for added texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
