Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is an easy and delicious make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Made with cubed brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg and milk mixture, slow-cooked to creamy, custardy perfection. Top it with brown sugar and butter before cooking for a sweet, buttery crust. Serve warm with maple syrup, fruit compote, or powdered sugar.
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
- 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 slow cooker insert of at least 5 quarts capacity.
- Mix the Custard: Whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure the bread is submerged in the liquid.
- Soak the Bread: Cover the slow cooker insert and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture properly. For best results, you can also soak it overnight, keeping it covered in the fridge.
- Add Sugar and Butter: Evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar across the top of the soaked bread, then dot the surface with the cubes of unsalted butter.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on the slow cooker’s high setting for 1 to 2 hours, or on low for 2 to 4 hours. Cook until the egg and bread mixture is fully set and cooked through, resembling a soft custard.
- Serve: Serve the casserole immediately, topped with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired. Enjoy your warm and comforting French toast casserole!
Notes
- Using day-old brioche bread helps it absorb the custard better without turning mushy.
- The soaking step is crucial for a creamy texture; overnight soaking enhances flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk and use a suitable egg replacement.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can transfer the cooked casserole to a baking dish and briefly broil before serving.
- Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste preference for more or less warmth.
