Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a comforting and easy breakfast dish made with brioche bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and warm spices, then slow-cooked to a soft, custardy perfection. Perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunch, this recipe allows the bread to soak overnight and then cooks effortlessly in a slow cooker, delivering a hands-off, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 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
Topping
- 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 to create an even layer.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes and gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker insert and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
- Add Toppings: Remove the slow cooker insert from the fridge and evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar over the soaked bread. Dot the top with cubes of unsalted butter for richness and flavor.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours, or on low for 2 to 4 hours, until the bread custard is set and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the French toast casserole immediately, optionally with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without turning mushy.
- Refrigerating the mixture overnight enhances flavor and texture by allowing the liquid to fully penetrate the bread.
- You can customize toppings with nuts or fresh berries if desired.
- Slow cooker sizes can vary, so adjust cook times accordingly and test with a toothpick to check doneness.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, but salted butter can be used if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
