Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a delicious, hands-off breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Made with soft brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg and milk mixture, slow-cooked to a custardy perfection, and topped with brown sugar and butter for a sweet, comforting finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Base
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread, cut into 1-2” cubes (day old works best)
Custard Mixture
- 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, then add the cubed brioche bread evenly to the bottom.
- Mix Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread, then gently press down to ensure the bread is submerged in the liquid.
- Chill to Soak: Cover the slow cooker insert and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour, allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture thoroughly. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and texture.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the soaked bread, then dot the top with 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 bread and egg mixture is fully cooked and set.
- Serve: Immediately serve your French toast casserole warm with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful breakfast treat.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before by letting it soak overnight in the refrigerator to save morning prep time.
- Check the casserole for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully cooked.
- Customize toppings by adding chopped nuts, fresh berries, or even chocolate chips before cooking.
- Use light brown sugar for a subtle molasses flavor; you can substitute with regular brown sugar if needed.
