Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast treat featuring cubed brioche bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and warm spices, slow cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy mornings, this dish offers a soft, custardy texture with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with brown sugar and butter for a golden finish. Serve it with maple syrup or fresh fruit compote for a delightful start to your day.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread, cut into 1-2 inch cubes (day old works best)
Custard Mixture
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease the insert of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Place the cubed brioche bread evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press the bread gently so it sinks and soaks up the custard.
- Chill to Soak: Cover the slow cooker insert with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully. For deeper flavor and texture, you can chill it overnight.
- Add Toppings: After soaking, sprinkle light brown sugar evenly over the custard-soaked bread. Dot the surface with small cubes of unsalted butter for a rich, melting finish.
- Cook the Casserole: Place the slow cooker insert back into the slow cooker base and cover with the lid. Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours, or on low for 2 to 4 hours, until the custard is set and the surface is golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the French Toast Casserole immediately. Top with maple syrup, fresh fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread absorbs the custard better, yielding a moister casserole.
- To save time, prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
- Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model; begin checking doneness after 1 hour on high or 2 hours on low.
- Serve with your choice of toppings like syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
- Ensure the slow cooker insert is greased well to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 190mg