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
Scale
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.
